On February 4, 2024, the 700 block of N. Henry Street in our city will experience a temporary closure, lasting from 12:01 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. This closure is essential to facilitate sidewalk and road work, and will be carried out by W.O. Grubb Crane Rental.The closure is necessary to dismantle the tower crane located at 701 N. Henry Street, as part of ongoing land development and residential construction projects. In order to safely place cranes and trucks in the roadway, the 700 block of N. Henry Street between Madison Street and Wythe Street will be closed off for the...
The City of Alexandria has announced a virtual listening session and a pop-up event for the proposed Potomac Yard Entertainment District. The virtual listening session, which will focus on transportation and traffic management, is scheduled for Thursday, February 1, from 7 to 8 p.m. Interested participants can register online to attend the session. This is the third of four weekly Thursday-night listening sessions, with each session addressing a different aspect of the project. Recordings of the previous sessions are available for those who missed them.The upcoming...
The Alexandria Police Department (APD) is now accepting applications for the 50th session of the Alexandria Community Police Academy. This academy provides an opportunity for residents to learn about the police department and gain a deeper understanding of its operations.According to the APD, the academy curriculum covers various aspects of the police department, including administrative philosophy, internal policies, and the guiding principles of law and ethical conduct. Participants will have the chance to engage in a combination of lectures and activities on topics...
The City of Alexandria Department of Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Activities has announced the registration details for its upcoming 2024 Summer Power-On/Power-Up Program. This program is designed for elementary-aged youth entering 1st – 6th grade in Fall 2024, as well as participants entering 6th – 10th grade in Fall 2024.The Summer Power-On/Power-Up Program will run from Monday, June 17, to Friday, August 9, 2024. The program fee is $575 for the summer, with reduced rates available for those who qualify for free/reduced-price school meals or receive Supplemental...
City of Alexandria Police Chief Don Hayes will be leaving his position to pursue a new opportunity at the federal level. Effective February 9, Hayes will step down from his role, bringing an end to his nearly 44-year career with the Alexandria Police Department.Hayes has been recognized as a capable leader and dedicated public servant during his time as Police Chief. City Manager James Parajon expressed his appreciation for Hayes' commitment to the department and the community, stating, "He built upon years of experience to lead APD through some challenging times...
Alexandria's City Council will be hosting a town hall meeting tomorrow, January 27, to discuss the proposed Potomac Yard Entertainment District. The event will take place from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Charles Houston Recreation Center on 901 Wythe St.During the town hall, members of the City Council will provide a brief overview of the project and address any questions, concerns, and feedback from the community. It is important to note that only those attending in person will be able to submit questions. While the event will be broadcasted online, virtual participants...
The Alexandria Police Department is requesting the public's help in finding the parents or guardians of a female toddler who was found abandoned at 8 S. Van Dorn St. on Wednesday night. Witnesses reported that the child was dropped off at approximately 9:45 p.m.According to witnesses, the individual who dropped off the toddler was driving a small, white SUV. Unfortunately, no further details about the driver were provided.Currently, the child is under the care of Child Protective Services while the authorities work diligently to locate her parents or guardians....
The City of Alexandria has been awarded a What Works Cities Silver Certification for its outstanding use of data and analytics to enhance the lives of its residents. This recognition, given by Bloomberg Philanthropies’ program, highlights Alexandria's commitment to evidence-based decision-making and places the city among the top leaders in the United States and Latin America in leveraging data for effective governance.Alexandria is the second city in Virginia, following Norfolk, to receive this prestigious certification. The What Works Cities Certification program...
Alexandria, Va. - An abandoned child discovered last night on South Van Dorn Street is currently safe and in the care of Alexandria DCHS Child Welfare Services. The Alexandria Police Department and Alexandria DCHS Child Protective Services are working together in a joint investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the abandonment of the child. "At present, the abandoned child who was located last night on South Van Dorn Street is safe and doing well in the custody of Alexandria DCHS Child Welfare Services," said Tracy Walker, APD Communications Manager. The...
The African American Heritage Trail Committee is inviting the public to participate in a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the installation of new interpretive signs along Alexandria's historic waterfront. These signs aim to shed light on the rich history of the African American community in Alexandria throughout the centuries. The ribbon cutting event will take place on Saturday, February 10 at 11 a.m. at the newly erected Fishtown sign in Founders Park, located at 351 N. Union St.The African American Waterfront Heritage Trail consists of 11 signs and 2 orientation panels,...
The Urban Design Advisory Committee (UDAC) serving Old Town North will hold their regular meeting on Wednesday, February 7, at 9 a.m. The meeting will take place at City Hall, specifically in Room 2000 on the second floor. One of the main topics that will be discussed during this meeting is the presentation of the first applicant for the redevelopment of the Robinson Terminal North site.During the meeting, UDAC members will have the opportunity to engage with the applicant and discuss their design approach. The community will also have the chance to ask questions to the...
The City of Alexandria is actively seeking input and feedback from the community regarding the proposed Potomac Yard Entertainment District. In order to facilitate this, the city is hosting a series of listening sessions and town hall meetings where residents can share their thoughts and concerns.The first opportunity to participate is the listening session happening today, January 25 at 7 p.m. This session will focus on topics such as schools, housing, and other community benefits. To join, interested individuals are asked to fill out the listening session registration...
The Alexandria Fire Department has announced that it is now accepting applications for its spring 2024 Community Fire Academy. The program, which is free of charge, is open to residents of the City of Alexandria who are 18 years of age or older, as well as those who work or own businesses in the City. The deadline for applications is Friday, February 16.The Community Fire Academy aims to educate community members about fire safety and emergency medical response, while also providing insight into the history, administration, operations, and apparatus of an urban public...
The Alexandria Fire Department has revealed that a recent fire at 4407 Wheeler Ave was accidental and electrical in nature, causing approximately $1.5 million in structural damage and an additional estimated $3.5 million in damage to the contents of all impacted businesses located in the commercial strip warehouse.The incident was initially reported as a fire alarm around 9:20 p.m. on Tuesday, January 2. It quickly escalated to a 3-alarm fire, prompting over 100 firefighters from the Alexandria Fire Department and surrounding jurisdictions to respond. The fire attack was...
Alexandria, Va. - The City of Alexandria Police Department is currently investigating a series of false threats made towards two Alexandria City Public Schools. The threats, which were received this afternoon, prompted a swift response from the APD to ensure the safety of students and faculty.At approximately 12:04 p.m., the APD received a call claiming that someone was going to Charles Barrett Elementary School with guns. In response, multiple officers, K9 units, and the Special Weapons And Tactics (SWAT) team were dispatched to the school to conduct a thorough search....