Waterfront Politics Unfold in the Courtroom and on the Campaign Trail
Three separate lawsuits still moving forward as mayoral campaign heats up.
For those keeping score in the ongoing war over the Alexandria waterfront, opponents have scored one major victory and supporters have scored one major victory.
Week in Alexandria
Seven Alexandria businesses got stung last weekend during a regularly scheduled crackdown on businesses that sell alcohol to minors.
Arlington Voters to Determine Fate of Capital-Improvement Projects This November
From a new aquatics center to paving roads, bond initiatives tend to be popular.
It’s been more than 20 years since a bond referendum failed in Arlington, an indication of how popular the spending items are with voters in the county.
A Stark Choice: Candidates in Special Election Are on Opposite Sides of Key Issues
Voters to choose between radically different views in September.
The summer of 2012 is turning out to be the hottest political season in recent memory, and not just because of the record-breaking temperatures.
Beacon of Groveton May Be a Sign of Things to Come on Richmond Highway
High-end rental units and ground-level retail will be a first-of-its-kind on the corridor.
When the high-end residential units at the Heights at Groveton open next month, Richmond Highway will begin a new chapter in its long history.
Enrollment Spikes Again as Schools Prepare for Opening Day
Classrooms are packed to capacity throughout the city.
With the first day of school fast approaching for most of the city’s public schools, central administration officials are scrambling to respond to dramatic enrollment increases.
On the Campaign Trail
What happens to City Councilman Rob Krupicka’s seat if he is elected to the House of Delegates next month? Fortunately for Democrats, it’s too late to have yet another special election.
Collingwood for Sale: 8.7-Acre Estate on the Market for $5.9 million
Construction of $2 million American Legacy Center created hefty debt for nonprofit.
The dream of a museum dedicated to Americana may be dead, and an important community center may be privatized.
Week in Alexandria
Alexandria police officers have arrested a man they say is responsible for a rash of burglaries from automobiles over the last few months in the Rosemont neighborhood.
Should Virginia Compensate for Dark Days of Eugenics?
Del. Patrick Hope (D-44) asks governor and General Assembly to form a task force.
The number of victims is unknown in Virginia’s system of forced sterilization, a dark chapter that stretched from the 1920s into the 1970s.
Beacon for the Future
Urban development may be a sign of things to come on Richmond Highway.
When the high-end residential units at the Heights at Groveton open next month, Richmond Highway will begin a new chapter in its long history.
Business Matters
As members of the Alexandria City Council enjoy their summer recess, elected officials turn to their day jobs. For Councilman Frank Fannon, that means trying to close some mortgage loans for SunTrust Bank — if he can.
Two Detectives Assigned to Investigate Rosemont Crime Wave
Theft from vehicles has become an alarming trend; police encourage residents to lock doors.
Lock your doors. That’s the message from the Alexandria Police Department, which is currently engaged in an effort to address a growing trend of thefts from vehicles in the Rosemont neighborhood.
Lightning Campaign Pits Longtime Elected Official Against Progressive Newcomer
Democrats to determine special election candidate this weekend.
This week, Democrats will determine their candidate in a special election blitz campaign that offers little time for voters to learn much about their options.
Week in Alexandria
This week marked the first day of school at Mount Vernon Community School, which has about 100 more students than last year. It was also the first day of school at Tucker Elementary School, which has about 100 more students than last year. When the rest of the city’s schools open after Labor Day, Alexandria is preparing for a massive crunch.
Business Matters
Death may be one of those unavoidable things. But taxes? That’s another story.
Proposal for Waterfront Hotel Would More Than Double Density of Existing Development
Carr Hospitality presents concept to city even though zoning does not yet exist.
The vivid color images of a hotel on the waterfront offer a stark contrast to the dingy old warehouse currently occupying the northeast corner of Duke Street and Union Street.
Week in Alexandria
For more than a month, voters in the 45th District have been waiting for Republican Gov. Bob McDonnell to call a special election to fill the seat vacacted by former Del. David Englin (D-45), who resigned to put his family back together after announcing he had been unfaithful in his marriage.
After Years of Construction, a New Jones Point Park Emerges from Orange Cones
Southernmost point of the District of Columbia gets a makeover.
Now, after more than a decade hidden behind a veil of orange cones, Jones Point Park is ready to once again take its place among the premier city parks.
Consumer Confidence on the Rise in Washington Region
Survey participants perceive regional economy better than broader national picture.
Consumer confidence is on the rise, according to results of a new survey by the Greater Washington Board of Trade.
Developer Moves Forward with Plans to Redevelop Waterfront Property
Carr Hospitality seeks approval for concept even though zoning has yet to be approved.
One of the ghosts haunting the Alexandria waterfront is Samuel Cummings, international arms dealer who owned a warehouse now at the center of a controversial redevelopment proposal.
Reclusive Former Sheriff Dies; Mystery of His Wife’s Murder Remains Unsolved
After years on the public stage, Jim Dunning withdrew after the death of his wife.
James Herbert Dunning, the once popular sheriff who became increasingly reclusive after the mysterious 2003 murder of his wife, died last week at his home in Hilton Head, S.C.
Week in Alexandria
As the race to fill the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Democratic Sen. Jim Webb heads into the long hot political summer season, both candidates are trying to capture the attention of Northern Virginia voters.
Inaction May Cause Federal Officials to Create Health-Care Exchange for Virginia
January 2013 is the deadline for the commonwealth to create authority for exchange.
Virginia is suffering from deadline fever, although Republican Gov. Bob McDonnell is calling for a second opinion.
Business Matters
One of the most distinctive buildings on the waterfront is about to be gutted and renovated.
Despite Failing Grade on Transparency, Law Enforcement Officials Resist Opening Access
Advocates for public access remain frustrated by persistent lack of transparency.
Back in March, Virginia received a failing grade from the State Integrity Investigation as the result of a systematic lack of transparency.
Week in Alexandria
This election year will be like none other in the city’s long history, as the City Council election will take place in November for the first time. It will also feature a special election to fill a vacant seat in the House of Representatives in which a City Council member will be on the ballot.
Business Matters
How about this heat? Like death and taxes, this weekend’s heat wave is an inevitable fact of life. But it’s also an opportunity to make money.
Even in Closed Cases, Police Maintain Culture of Secrecy
Public must rely on information police agencies choose to share, even if it's wrong.
In December of 2008, the Fairfax Police Department chased 19-year-old Hailu Brook across the county line into Arlington and shot him dead.
Arlington and Alexandria Agree to Move in Different Directions on Corridor
Street car to move forward in Arlington; its future is uncertain in Alexandria.
Some say time heals all wounds. For leaders in Arlington and Alexandria, it may also be the solution to a disagreement about how to move forward with a regional transit system.
Council Notebook
City Council members have taken a bite out of crime.
Business Matters
Seating is now on the menu at Del Ray Pizzeria, where customers can order thin-crust pizza in a restaurant with thick selection of chairs.
Islamic Saudi Academy Heads Toward End of its Lease on Richmond Highway
Controversial school to move next year; future of building to be determined.
July will mark the beginning of the end of the Saudi Islamic Academy’s lease on Richmond Highway, ending a long and contentious relationship with a school that opponents consider a training ground for terrorists.
Supervisor McKay Launches Effort to Explain County Budget Process
Effort could create interactive online guide and new chapter in citizens' handbook.
Lee District Supervisor is frustrated. Every year, he hears from parents who want him to do something about funding full-day Kindergarten.
On the Campaign Trail
For many years, Alexandria voters did not use paper ballots at all. They simply walked up to an election judge and announced their vote in public, a process known as “viva voce.”
More Clang Coming to Del Ray
New free service along Mount Vernon Avenue to cost $1 million a year.
Del Ray is sometimes called the “little neighborhood that could,” a reference to its history as a home for railroad workers at Potomac Yard.
Insiders Prevail in Hotly Contested Primary for Alexandria City Council
Incumbents and former incumbents win, pushing back calls for change.
Despite calls for change at City Hall, Alexandria voters sent a message Tuesday that they like the recent direction of city government, and they selected a slate of candidates that continues the status quo.
Ballston Residents Concerned New Theater Could Become Financial Drain
Will Virginia Square black box become a black hole similar to Artisphere?
When the Arlington County Board approved a new nine-story mixed-use commercial building in Virginia Square earlier this year, it was a deal that seemed too good to be true.
Say Goodbye to Instant Elections: New Voting System to Yield Much Slower Results
Registrar to have all precinct results driven to headquarters before posting results.
Remember when Alexandria precinct returns were posted to the Internet a few minutes after the polls closed? Well, forget about it.
Unpredictable Democratic Primary Heads into Final Stretch
Historic election has 14 candidates seeking six slots on the ticket for November general election.
The future of Alexandria is on the line as 14 Democrats seek six seats on the Alexandria City Council in a hotly contested Democratic primary June 12.
New Restrictions on Washington Street to Be Installed This Summer
Initiative comes after 600 accidents in the last five years.
For years, Washington Street has been one of the most dangerous roads in Alexandria.
Huntington Residents Await Storm Season as They Gear up for November Bond Referendum
Fairfax voters to determine the fate of flood mitigation along Cameron Run.
Everyone in the neighborhood near the Huntington Metro station has a story. Pregnant women rescued by firefighters in rafts. Waste-deep water. Mold. Mildew.
Week in Alexandria
The waterfront is no stranger to debate, and now another potential clash is brewing.
On the Campaign Trail
Remember when Alexandria precinct returns were posted to the Internet a few minutes after the polls closed? Well, forget about it.
Voters to Determine Republican and Democratic Candidates for House and Senate
Low turnout expected in June 12 primary.
Election officials are expecting an extremely low turnout for the June 12 primary, ranging from 3 percent in Arlington to 15 percent in Alexandria.
Old Dominion Boat Club Settles With Feds, Continues to Fend Off City Hall
40-year old lawsuit comes to an end as city officials make plans for parking lot.
It’s been almost 40 years since the Richard Nixon administration filed a series of lawsuits against property owners along the waterfront.
Horse Stable Could Be Closed to Protect Cemetery and Historic Plantation
Widening debate on Richmond Highway creates dilemma for Federal Highway Administration.
The hill where Woodlawn Baptist Church graveyard is located offers a commanding view of an area in the midst of drastic change.
Week in Alexandria
It’s been almost 40 years since the Richard Nixon administration filed a series of lawsuits against property owners along the waterfront.
14 Candidates Seek Six Seats in Historic Democratic Primary
Voters to determine if they like recent direction of city or not.
Are voters pleased with the direction of the city? Or are they looking for a new set of leaders? That will be the central question for the Democratic primary on June 12, when voters will select six candidates that will appear as the party’s slate for City Council in the November election.
Arlington County to Create New Group Homes in Wake of Federal Settlement
Local jurisdictions scrambling to adjust to closing of training centers.
Ever since a federal judge issued a ruling earlier this year to close Virginia’s training centers, members of the Arlington Community Services Board have been struggling to figure out what’s next. Right now, there are more questions than answers. And time is running out.