Registrar Expects Six Times as Many Voters in Primary Compared to Caucus
Traditional firehouse caucus had 2,000 voters; citywide primary could draw as many as 12,000.
Alexandria Registrar Tom Parkins is forecasting a 12 percent to 15 percent turnout for the June 12 Democratic primary, which would mean about 9,600 to 12,000 voters are expected to show up at the city's precincts on Election Day.
Virginia Supreme Court Sends Wales Alley Case Back to Alexandria
Key issue still unresolved: Does city have authority to deprive use of alley to Boat Club?
The Virginia Supreme Court has overturned a decision from the Alexandria Circuit Court about the use of a public alley in Old Town, but the case is not over ye
Alexandria to Exceed Debt Limits
Officials say city is in no danger of losing credit rating.
Alexandria is on the verge of exceeding its own debt limit, and the city’s budget-advisory committee is warning that any additional borrowing could jeopardize the city’s credit rating.
Changes Coming to Penn-Daw
ow that comprehensive plan has been amended, development application is imminent.
Now that the county’s comprehensive plan has been changed to allow for higher density at the Penn-Daw Shopping Plaza, Lee District Supervisor Jeff McKay says he expects Combined Properties to file an application for redevelopment any day.
A Street Runs Through It
Effort to reduce stormwater runoff moves to the median.
Drivers along Patrick Henry Drive can see the Arlington County’s latest attempt at combating pollution from stormwater runoff. From the road, it may look like a few rocks and plants in the median. But county officials say the bioretention system is a “green streets” project aimed at absorbing and retaining pollutants rather than sending them into to Chesapeake Bay.
On the Campaign Trail
The Beauregard small-area plan is shaping up to be one of the hottest election issues in this campaign cycles.
Council Notebook
The Alexandria Board of Zoning Appeals is facing a legal challenge to its recent decision on the waterfront, and city officials are denying them an opportunity to have legal counsel.
Candidates for Mayor Clash Over Environmental Impact of Watetrfront Plan
Report on health of Potomac River highlights differences between candidates.
A river runs through the candidate for mayor.
Arlington Launches New Pilot to Clean Stormwater Runoff in Medians
Patrick Henry Drive is the first project; many will follow in coming months.
Drivers along Patrick Henry Drive can see the Arlington County’s latest attempt at combating pollution from stormwater runoff.
City Attorney Says Board of Zoning Appeals Does Not Need Legal Representation
Rare lawsuit pits city officials against their own board.
What happens to members of city boards and commissions who get sued by the city government? It’s an awkward question, one that Alexandria now faces in the Alexandria Circuit Court.
City Council Approves Massive Development over Bitter Opposition
Beauregard boom may be felt at the ballot box in the Democratic primary.
Once again, members of the Alexandria City Council cast aside hours of bitter opposition to support a controversial plan.
Week in Alexandria
What happens to members of city boards and commissions who get sued by the city government? It’s an awkward question, one that Alexandria now faces in the Alexandria Circuit Court.
Opposing Factions of Democrats Emerge in Hotly Contested City Council Primary
Four different political action committees endorse rival slates of candidates.
With four weeks until the Democratic primary for Alexandria City Council, the city’s Democrats are forming opposing factions in the hotly contested race.
First-time Candidate Versus Longtime Congressman
Former Navy pilot hopes to defeat Moran with charges of conflict of interest.
Former Navy pilot Bruce Shuttleworth’s campaign to oust U.S. Rep. Jim Moran (D-8) in the Democratic primary is fashioned as an indictment, a campaign in which the issues are framed as an attack on the incumbent.
On the Campaign Trail
A river runs through the candidate for mayor.
First-time Candidate Takes on Longtime Congressman
Former Navy pilot hopes to defeat Moran with charges of conflict of interest.
Former Navy pilot Bruce Shuttleworth’s campaign to oust U.S. Rep. Jim Moran (D-8) in the Democratic primary is fashioned as an indictment, a campaign in which the issues are framed as an attack on the incumbent. The first-time candidate hopes to knock off the 10-term congressman by describing him an insider who uses his power to help campaign contributors and himself.
Council Notebook
It’s a bird. It’s a plane. It’s Councilman Frank Fannon. No, he’s not Superman. But Mayor Bill Euille is praising Fannon for quick thinking and fast action in coming to the assistance of a citizen in need.
Potential Compromise Emerges in Corridor Dispute Between Arlington and Alexandria
Is a treaty of Four Mile Run in the works to iron out differences between neighboring jurisdictions?
Back in October 2010, Northern Virginia Streetcar Coalition chairman Tim Lovain feared what he called a “disaster” on the horizon — transit corridor commuters may be facing a day when they would have to get off an Arlington streetcar and board an Alexandria bus.
Northern Virginia Bill Signing Puts Human Trafficking and Domestic Violence in Spotlight
A rare moment of bipartisanship between Republican governor and Democratic legislators.
Strangulation will be punished more aggressively to combat violence against women. Campus police will work with other police agencies to crack down on domestic violence of unmarried couples. And the telephone number for a human trafficking hotline will be placed in the restrooms at strip clubs across Virginia.
Council Members Dip Into Rainy-Day Fund to Avoid Raising Tax Rate
Unanimous budget will raise average residential property tax bill by $52.
Taxpayers can expect to pay more money now that members of the Alexandria City Council have adopted a tax rate for the coming year that will increase the average residential property tax bill by $52.
Business Matters
City leaders may be taking on more debt than Alexandria can handle. That’s the conclusion of the Budget and Fiscal Advisory Commission, which presented its annual report Tuesday night.
Incumbents and Candidates Face Difficult Test as City Council Campaign Heats Up
Rival groups of Democrats endorse slates of candidates for June 12 primary.
The fiercely competitive Democratic primary for the Alexandria City Council is about to get even more intense this weekend, as current council members take up the most controversial development proposal since the waterfront plan.
Treaty of Four Mile Run?
A potential compromise to ongoing dispute between Arlington and Alexandria.
Back in October 2010, Northern Virginia Streetcar Coalition chairman Tim Lovain feared what he called a "disaster" on the horizon — transit corridor commuters may be facing a day when they would have to get off an Arlington streetcar and board an Alexandria bus.
May Day at City Hall: Democratic Primary Puts Heat on Candidates
Recent unpopular decisions may mean trouble for two incumbents and two former incumbents.
Hector Pineda is one of thousands of residents who live in the sprawling series of garden apartments on the city’s West End, which has been one of the last remaining spots in the city for low-income residents.
On the Campaign Trail
Politicians are always squeamish about raising their own salaries, especially when the budget season is closely tied to an election.
Last-Minute Budgeting As City Council Members Negotiate Final Budget Agreement
Elected officials consider everything from extending library hours to increasing salaries.
Hold your wallet. The Alexandria City Council is putting the final touches on the budget for fiscal year 2013, and the long list of priorities could mean more taxes.
Is Richmond Highway Improving?
New survey says attitudes are improving, but critics say change is too slow.
Is Richmond Highway improving? A new survey of 900 consumers shows that the vast majority of respondents thinks so, and by a two-to-one margin. Others say progress along the Route 1 corridor lags far behind other parts of Northern Virginia.
Week in Alexandria
Councilman Paul Smedberg and Councilwoman Alicia Hughes clashed repeatedly this week about when and how council members should consider a proposal to add Sunday deliveries for Meals on Wheels.
Arlington and Alexandria Fighting for Limited Pool of Federal Funds
One wants federal money for Columbia Pike, the other wants funds for Potomac Yard.
Arlington County and the City of Alexandria are each vying for an increasingly limited amount of federal transportation funding, leading to a conflict between the neighboring jurisdictions.
Historic Huntley To Open at Last
Hybla Valley villa to become Fairfax County’s newest public park next month.
After decades of waiting, Historic Huntley will finally open its doors to the public next month. Officials with the Fairfax County Park Authority are planning a May 19 launch, a long-awaited opening for a historic property built in the 1820s by Alexandria Mayor Thomson Mason. The old house has been boarded up since being purchased by the Fairfax County Park Authority in 1989, when county leaders set out to restore the villa overlooking Hybla Valley. Since then, county voters have approved two bond referendum ballot items worth $3 million.
Labeling Energy Performance of Public Buildings
Buildings in Arlington are about to become green with envy. A new county program is now installing energy performance labels in the lobby of government buildings, and Arlington officials say they want to expand the program to private buildings. The pilot would be voluntary, potentially attracting companies that want to draw attention to buildings designed for efficiency. In the long run, though, the idea is that people would take a different approach to what kind of information is available to the public.
Council Notebook
Mayor Bill Euille is asking his colleagues on the City Council to refrain from answering questions about where they think the Potomac Yard Metro should be located.
Business Matters
Say goodbye to the Alexandria Sanitation Authority. Say hello to Alexandria Renew Enterprises, and get ready to pay two bills instead of one.
Tensions Rising Between Arlington and Alexandria Over Transit Corridor
Alexandria leaders lash out at Arlington officials for backing out of an environmental analysis.
Tensions between Alexandria and Arlington are growing along Route 1, where city and county leaders are moving in different directions about how the jurisdictions want to create a high-capacity transit corridor.
Spreading the Wealth on the Campaign Trail for Alexandria City Council
Wide disparity in fundraising numbers for council candidates.
In the first three months of the year, first-time candidate Sean Holihan raised more money than any of his competitors in the campaign for cash this political season.
Arlington County Hopes Energy Labels Will Change Business-As-Usual Attitude
Pilot program starts with government buildings, then moves on to private buildings.
Buildings in Arlington are about to become green with envy.
Tall Order For Smart Growth Near Braddock Road Metro
City Council members set aside commercial land-use and height limit in Parker Gray.
Remember that commercial building that was approved near the Braddock Road Metro station? Well forget about it.
Gunston Hall Museum Director Ousted by Regents After Year of Controversy
David Reese is out; Mark Whatford to serve as acting director.
After surviving more than a year of calls for his resignation, Gunston Hall museum director has been removed as head of the historic house site.
New Leadership At Gunston Hall
Museum director ousted by regents after year of controversy.
After surviving more than a year of calls for his resignation, Gunston Hall museum director has been removed as head of the historic house site. In a meeting last week, the Board of Regents voted to replace David Reese, effective immediately. Mark Whatford, a senior staff member, will serve as acting director until a permanent replacement is hired. The decision comes after harsh criticism of financial mismanagement and unprofessional behavior.
Business Matters
Remember that commercial building that was approved near the Braddock Road Metro station? Well forget about it.
Virginia Supreme Court Hears Boat Club Case Against City and Restaurant
Old Dominion objects to City Council lease of public alley for private use.
Does Alexandria have the right to close Wales Alley? That’s an issue now before justices of the Virginia Supreme Court, who heard oral arguments in a case that’s divided Alexandria for years.
Do Backyard Hens Pose Threat to Public Health in Arlington?
Here's the scoop on potential hazards of proposed zoning change.
Do backyard hens pose a risk to public health in Arlington? That question will be at the center of a debate now taking place in the county.
Week in Alexandria
The Alexandria Police Department is charging three California men with conspiracy to import marijuana into Virginia.
Scoop on Chickens in Arlington
Do backyard hens pose threat to public health in Arlington?
Do backyard hens pose a risk to public health in Arlington? That question will be at the center of a debate now taking place in the county. This week, members of the Urban Agriculture Task force will conduct their first meeting. In the next year, the newly created group is expected to craft a resolution for the County Board on what kind of zoning changes — if any — should take place to ease restrictions on backyard hens.
Board of Zoning Appeals Overturns Planning Director's Determination on Waterfront Plan
City officials vow to appeal ruling to Circuit Court in dramatic turn of events.
The waterfront plan is dead, at least for now.
State and Local Leaders Clash Over Responsibility of Secondary Roads
State responsibility of secondary roads dates to Great Depression.
Who is responsible for fixing potholes on Fairfax County roads? State leaders in Richmond want to hand over control to transportation officials at the Fairfax County Government Center. But Chairwoman Sharon Bulova is joining with leaders in Loudoun County and Prince William County to oppose the move.
What Will Happen to Hundreds of Workforce Units at Southern Edge of Old Town?
Fate of Hunting Towers is at stake as VDOT considers sale on the open market.
After almost a decade as a reluctant landlord, the Virginia Department of Transportation is getting out of the property rental game.
Business Matters
The city’s latest round of business and professional license taxes, which were due in March, reveal a city on the rebound.
Council Notebook
Del Ray is sometimes called “the little neighborhood that could,” a reference to the area’s history as a residential spot for railroad workers at Potomac Yard.
School System Presents Site Plan to City Hall for Jefferson-Houston
Old school would be demolished; new school to be constructed in its place.
After years of failing test scores and faltering attendance, school officials now have a plan to demolish the existing Jefferson-Houston School and build a new one.