December 31, 2020

Alexandria Times

Vol. 15, No. 53 Alexandria’s only independent hometown newspaper. DECEMBER 31, 2020

2020 YEAR IN REVIEW 2 |DECEMBER 31, 2020 ALEXANDRIA TIMES

“I thought 2020 would be the year I got everything I wanted. Now I know 2020 is the year I appreciate everything I had. ” -Melody Godfred

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A look back on 2020 Whew! How do we begin a global health emergency. around issues like COVID-19 as did environmentalists dis- lights, but their use will be to reflect on this crazy year? • On March 11, Alex- testing, food distribution, turbed by plans to remove 269 limited and compliance will When 2020 dawned, which andria’s first presumptive child care and rent assistance. mature trees at Taylor Run. be enforced by the courts. The seems like a lifetime ago, COVID-19 case was diag- Local businesses in Alex- The national Black Lives Alexandria School Board vot- there was excitement in the nosed. andria, like elsewhere, had Matter movement became ed to remove the name T.C. air. It was the beginning of • On March 13, President to get creative in an effort to more prominent following Williams from the city’s only a new decade. The first fifth Donald Trump declared a na- survive. Companies that could the killing of Minneapolis res- public high school and initi- of the 21st century was over. tional emergency. began having their employ- ident George Floyd by a white ated a process for community There was even cool numerol- • On March 23, Virginia ees work virtually. Those that police officer. Protests were involvement in choosing a re- ogy, as 02/02/2020 is the only Gov. Ralph Northam (D-VA) couldn’t, like restaurants and held in cities around the coun- placement name. eight-digit date this century issued executive order 53, shops, found ways to change try, and peaceful protests and As this year draws to a that is read as a palindrome stating nonessential busi- and expand their product marches took place in Alexan- close, there is much to mourn, around the world – that is, re- nesses must close for all but lines, menus and takeout op- dria. Residents also protested especially those we’ve lost to gardless of whether the month take-out products, and K-12 tions. Most embraced outdoor a lack of rent forgiveness for COVID-19. But there is also or day goes first. schools must close immedi- dining and shopping during those who had lost jobs due to much to be thankful for, es- This year marks 100 years ately for in-person learning. the summer months. the coronavirus. pecially the bravery and ded- since the 20th amendment • On March 29, Alex- The City of Alexandria The Times filed FOIAs ication of medical and public to the U.S. Constitution gave andria’s first resident with again worked to boost busi- and looked into several safety workers and of others women the right to vote. It’s COVID-19 was hospitalized. nesses by expanding out- contentious issues in 2020. who couldn’t work remotely, the 100th anniversary of • On March 30, Northam door dining on sidewalks and We investigated complaints from grocery store cashiers the Negro Baseball Leagues’ issued a stay-at-home order curbsides in front of restau- about the operating and man- to postal workers. founding. And, of course, • On April 9, the Alexan- rants. The Alexandria Eco- agement styles of Alexandria We at the Alexandria Times it’s the year of the corona- dria Times launched its "Wear nomic Development Partner- Police Chief Michael Brown are particularly grateful to virus pandemic. a mask. Save a life." campaign. ship also oversaw two rounds and ACPS Superintendent Dr. our loyal advertisers, without There are many ways in Eight months later, our of funding for local business- Gregory Hutchings, Ed.D. We whom this paper wouldn’t ex- which people may measure city had experienced 6,421 es, many of which also qual- investigated claims that the ist. Their support enabled us their lives, such as before positive cases of COVID-19, ified for assistance through Alexandria Fire Department to rebound from the abysmal college and after, before en- with 407 cumulative hospi- the federal Paycheck Protec- had little say in whether to second quarter that rocked the tering the working world and talizations and 82 deaths, as tion Program and the state narrow Seminary Road. We entire U.S. economy and post after, before marriage and of the Times' print deadline. RebuildVA program. acquired a court transcript close-to-normal revenues the after, before having children Like at the national level, This was also the year of Ibrahim Bouaichi’s April rest of the year. and after. Will our lives ever there was some local con- local activists in Alexan- bond hearing to help our read- We would like to thank more be measured by “before fusion in Alexandria early dria became more vocal and ers better understand why two advertisers in particular the pandemic and after?” on around the effectiveness organized around an array of the accused rapist, who later who have been with us from Just after the calendar of mask-wearing and drive- issues, from those upset about murdered his accuser, was re- the very beginning – McEne- turned to 2020, we began through testing. But once we the narrowing of Seminary leased by the circuit court on arney Associates and Chris- hearing of cases of a new vi- got geared up, there was re- Road to residents dismayed bond without a GPS tracker. tine Garner of Weichert, Re- rus in Wuhan, China. Soon markable cooperation and co- by damage to their homes Another long-running, altors. Please patronize them afterward, on Jan. 21, the first ordination between the City from recurrent flooding. Par- contentious issue was resolved and all of our advertisers, as U.S. case of COVID-19 was di- of Alexandria, the Alexandria ents unhappy with Alexandria when ACPS and neighbors they’re the backbone of this agnosed in Washington state: Health Department, whose City Public Schools for not living near T.C. Williams historic city and caring com- a man who had traveled from workers are employees of the providing a hybrid model of High School agreed to settle munity we call home. Wuhan the week prior. Then state, and local nonprofits learning, which was on offer the lawsuits that had been We wish you a happy holi- things began to move quickly: like ALIVE!, Volunteer Alex- at almost all of Alexandria’s filed to block installation of day season and a healthy and • On Jan. 31, the World andria, Neighborhood Health private schools, organized and lights at Parker-Gray Stadi- prosperous New Year! Health Organization declared and the Campagna Center became increasingly vocal, um. The stadium will now get - The Times Staff 4 |DECEMBER 31, 2020 ALEXANDRIA TIMES

JANUARY Neighbors protest Emails reveal AFD lacked input on Alexandria Presbyterian whether to narrow Seminary Road Despite repeated claims by idents asked for all communi- the proposed narrowing of Church expansion Department of Transportation cations between AFD and T&ES Seminary Road. A local church’s expansion and Environmental Services staff for a six-month period In addition, while T&ES project had nearby residents staff that the Alexandria Fire beginning May 1, 2019. No claimed that AFD was heavily reading up on their scripture. Department had significant in- correspondence in the city’s involved in the development “If one of the rules of the good put into the Complete Streets response indicated that there of Complete Streets itself, the book is to love thy neighbor, they Design Guidelines and wheth- was communication between AFD employee listed as a mem- have done anything but,” neigh- er to narrow Seminary Road, T&ES staff and AFD between ber of the team that drafted the bor Cara Weiblinger said. documents obtained by city May 1 and June 12, the date plan, Maurice Jones, wrote to a In January, a group of residents residents under the Freedom Battalion Chief Michael Cross colleague on June 20, 2019: appealed City Council’s approval of Information Act revealed reached out to T&ES Complete “… I cannot remember being of early concept plans for a new otherwise. Streets Director Christine May- that involved or being consult- building at Alexandria Presby- In the FOIA request, the res- eur outlining his concerns with ed about much of anything.” terian Church, located at 1302 W. Braddock Road. The project would increase the church’s footprint more than six-fold, from City explores affordable housing at Douglas MacArthur 3,400 to 22,794 square feet. Members of the MacArthur School site. options, surprised members of PHOTO/MISSY SCHROTT Despite at least 21 households Alexandria Presbyterian Advisory Committee and the The announcement that the the advisory committee. in the nearby neighborhood ex- Church's existing building on community were left scram- city would not explore co-loca- “We were all blindsided, as pressing written concern about West Braddock Road. bling in January after the city tion options, but also provide a team, as a council member,” the project’s footprint and prox- indicated it would be explor- funding to Alexandria City Pub- Amy Jackson, the city council imity to surrounding residences, to allow the project to proceed at ing affordable housing on the lic Schools for an architectural representative on the advisory City Council voted unanimously its January public hearing. Douglas MacArthur Elementary exploration of potential housing committee, said.

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JANUARY FEBRUARY New program provides employment T.C. Williams student charged in double homicide for people with disabilities Virginia State Police arrested a ny, according to the release. The BEST, short for Building two residents who lost their Prince and Patrick streets. T.C. Williams High School student The state police found Ntombo Employment Solutions Togeth- 6-year-old son with disabilities, The BEST will pair teams of at the school on Feb. 13 in connec- Joel Bianda, 21, of Alexandria, er, is a new community employ- Joey, to a drowning accident, people with disabilities with tion with a double homicide that and Ayanna Munne Maertens ment program for adults with and ServiceSource, a nonprofit companies and businesses in took place in Halifax County, Virgin- Griffin, 19, of Germantown, Mary- disabilities. that supplies programming for need of light cleaning, stocking ia, according to a news release. land, dead on the morning of Feb. The program was developed people with disabilities. The office supplies, copying, shred- Mohamed Aly, 18, a member 8. The couple was outside of Bi- by the Joey Pizzano Memorial program will operate out of a ding and other customized of the T.C. Williams varsity foot- anda’s silver Nissan Maxima on Fund, a fund established by headquarters on the corner of tasks. ball team, was charged with two a particularly isolated stretch of counts of first-degree murder Route 58 in southern Virginia. and two counts of use of a fire- They had both suffered gunshot Budding nonprofit honors Alexandria women arm in the commission of a felo- wounds, according to the release. The year 2020 marked the pair researched suffragists tied “[For women these days,] the centennial of women’s right to to Alexandria and partnered with doors are wide open,” Miller said. vote thanks to the ratification of various organizations to highlight “To me, the suffragettes made City employee charged the 19th Constitutional Amend- influential women throughout the that all happen; [they] gave us ment in 1920. city’s history. Their efforts were the right to vote, so therefore, with embezzlement Two Alexandrians, Gayle Con- housed under a new nonprofit we felt we have power or that we Arrian Mercer, a former traffic activity, the City Manager’s Office verse and Pat Miller, localized the organization called Alexandria could change things or do things technician who worked for the directed the Alexandria Police milestone throughout 2020. The Celebrates Women. within the systems that existed.” city, was arrested and charged Department and the Office of In- with felony embezzlement of ternal Audit to investigate. Staff traffic signal cable on Jan. 17, ac- found that Mercer allegedly sold Other notable events: cording to a news release. more than $10,000 worth of traf- City announces plans to buy Freedom House; T.C. Williams alum Noah Lyles named U.S. Men’s Athlete of After the Department of Trans- fic signal cable to scrap dealers the Year; Alexandria Times releases inaugural episode of new podcast series, Speak Easy; SSSAS boys’ portation and Environmental between January and July 2019, basketball team shoots for playoffs. Services uncovered suspicious according to the release.

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Our commitment to providing a safe, healthy, and respectful worksite and experience. DESIGN STUDIOS IN MD | DC | VA 8 |DECEMBER 31, 2020 ALEXANDRIA TIMES 6 Tom Gale Few industries have been Easy. Times Editor Missy hit as hard by the pandemic as Schrott spoke with Gale about launches the food and service industry, his passion for spirits, the sto- but Tom Gale, bourbon expert ried past of bourbon in Virginia at Virtue Feed & Grain, main- and the challenges of work- tained his good mood during ing in the restaurant industry This year marked the in the Parker-Gray forward to another year of con- his appearance on Speak during the pandemic. launch of the Alexandria Times’ neighborhood and the versations with the interesting, first podcast, Speak Easy, a show city’s response to COVID-19 to influential residents who define all about the people who make the the Amazon HQ2 deal and how Alexandria as a city. city tick. classical music has survived Episode of Speak Easy are avail- Hosted by reporter Cody Mel- the pandemic. able on Spotify, Apple Podcasts 7 John Chapman lo-Klein, Speak Easy covered a This year was a learning expe- and Audible, as well as on the City Councilor John Chap- politics, as well as the current broad range of topics in its first rience for everyone involved in Times website: www.alextimes. man stopped by Speak Easy, state of race relations in the 11 episodes, from development Speak Easy, but the Times looks com/2020/06/speak-easy/ but not just in his capacity as a city and his work uncovering Al- local elected official. Chapman exandria’s Black history for his came ready to talk about local Manumission Tour Company. 1 Pat Miller Speak Easy kicked off with a about her introduction to com- icon. Miller’s appearance on 8 Stephanie Landrum conversation featuring Del Ray munity building, what makes the show was the perfect way legend Pat Miller. A philanthro- Del Ray such a unique neigh- to launch a show that remains The Times focused on one of of the architects of the deal, pist, activist and quintessen- borhood, the centennial of the focused on the people at the Alexandria’s most significant Stephanie Landrum, CEO and tial good neighbor, Miller sat 19th Amendment and how her heart of the Alexandria commu- developments in recent years: president of the Alexandria down with Mello-Klein to talk pickup truck became a Del Ray nity. the announcement that tech Economic Development Part- giant Amazon would be locat- nership, appeared on the show ing its second headquarters to talk about the work that right on Alexandria’s border in went into securing this historic Arlington, alongside a Virginia deal, as well as AEDP’s work 2 Teddy Kim Tech graduate school campus supporting local businesses Local developer Teddy Kim’s Alexandria, a city caught be- changing face of the city and located in Alexandria. One during COVID-19. appearance on Speak Easy tween traditional communities how he attempts to balance his- was a marked contrast to Pat and new development. Kim dis- tory and possibility in redevelop- Miller’s appearance in the first cussed his memories of growing ment. episode, but that’s the story of up in Alexandria in the 80s, the 9 Michael Pope If you pay attention to local Easy, Pope discussed how he news, you’ve probably read or got into journalism, his time heard Michael Pope’s words. A leading ghost tours in the city, 3 Olalekan Jeyifous journalist and author, Pope’s the challenges of reporting In a first for Speak Easy, Mel- artist Olalekan Jeyifous. by to talk about this piece as well work has appeared on Virginia during the pandemic and the lo-Klein spoke with someone “Wrought, Knit, Labors, Lega- as African megacities, the power Public Radio and in the Alexan- offbeat, macabre side of local who doesn’t actually live in the cies,” Jeyifous’ waterfront public of architecture and making art dria Gazette-Packet. On Speak history. city but whose contributions left art installation, took center stage for Starbucks. a mark this year: Brooklyn-based this year, and the artist stopped 10 Wellington Watts 4 Dr. Stephen Haering President of Alexandria Co- about how he got into the busi- lonial Tours Wellington Watts ness of giving ghost tours and the If residents didn’t know Dr. Ste- defined the city’s response to the Zoom, Haering talked about how stopped by for a special, spooky lasting appeal of ghost stories phen Haering’s name at the begin- COVID-19 pandemic, so it was he came to Alexandria, his work episode of Speak Easy just in before sharing a few of the city’s ning of the year, they definitely do only right that he appeared on the leading the city’s pandemic re- time for Halloween. Watts talked most infamous haunted tales. now. Haering’s work as Alexandria first virtual episode of Speak Easy. sponse and his personal thoughts Health Department director has In an interview conducted over about these challenging times. 11 Heather Rosner 5 James Ross Throughout the year, the topic by the virtual Speak Easy to talk of education during the pandemic with Times intern Lindsey Sullivan The pandemic has been a Director James Ross. The sea- upbringing, what goes into con- was a constant source of conver- about the challenges of virtual source of inspiration for many soned conductor and music ducting an orchestra and how sation in the community. George learning and how she has adapt- people, including Alexandria director appeared on Speak the ASO has continued playing Mason Elementary School music ed in order to continue providing Symphony Orchestra Music Easy to chat about his musical music during the pandemic. teacher Heather Rosner stopped all her students access to music. WWW.ALEXTIMES.COM DECEMBER 31, 2020 | 9

COVID-19 hits Alexandria The year 2020 took a ma- dria resident who had been in ing from 33 the week of March 14 statewide. The restrictions around jor turn in mid-March. After close contact with a D.C. resident to 797 the week of March 21. Many the size of social gatherings and in- NOVEMBER residents applied for and received door dining were further eased. months of the new coronavi- associated with Christ Church of unemployment benefits, but numer- PARENT ACTIVISTS PUSH FOR rus spreading in Asia and Eu- Georgetown who tested positive ous others, particularly Hispanic ACPS REOPENING rope, COVID-19, the disease for COVID-19. The D.C. resident workers and recent immigrants, ACPS PLANS TO GO FULLY ON- A group of parents and community caused by the virus, made its had spent time at the Immanuel were unable to apply for unemploy- LINE FOR FALL 2020 members took a stand against Alex- ment support. Alexandria City Public Schools an- way to the United States. Chapel of the Virginia Theologi- andria City Public Schools’ reopening nounced on July 31 that students plan – or a perceived lack thereof. The first presumptivecal Seminary in Alexandria. would be attending classes entirely The group, which calls itself Open COVID-19 case in Alexandria By the end of the March, there ALEXANDRIA RECEIVES $13.9 online to start the fall 2020 school ACPS, advocates that ACPS make was reported on March 11. were 44 cases of COVID-19 re- MILLION IN CARES FUNDING year.Similar to neighboring school dis- in-person instruction available to all City council unanimously approved tricts, ACPS’ Virtual Plus+ program in- students so that parents can have a The first case was an Alexan- ported in Alexandria. plans for residential rental assis- volved daily live instruction streamed choice of in-person or virtual learning. tance, food security and small busi- via Zoom, virtual one-on-one and ness assistance with money the city group tutoring sessions and some The community members mobilized a exandria reported COVID-19 cases received from the federal Coronavirus asynchronous learning opportunities. 539-member Facebook group, hoping MARCH among residents or staff in April. Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act. to raise awareness of their message In three of the facilities there were Of the $3.3 billion allocated to Vir- AUGUST and have a say as ACPS develops GOV. RALPH NORTHAM IS- outbreaks among residents, while the ginia, the City of Alexandria received plans to reopen. ACPS has been op- SUES STAY-AT-HOME ORDER fourth reported cases among staff about $13.9 million. NORTHERN VIRGINIA EXPE- erating virtually since March, with the FOR ALL VIRGINIANS but not residents. RIENCES SLIGHT SPIKE ON exception of six children who resumed Northam’s order came in the after- COVID-19 POSITIVITY RATE in-person learning on Nov. 5. math of a sharp rise in confirmed COVID-19 DEVASTATES A Times data analysis showed that COVID-19 cases. The number of DRIVE-THROUGH TESTING CHIRILAGUA COVID-19 positivity had risen across cases in Virginia increased from MADE AVAILABLE IN A largely low-income, Hispanic neigh- Northern Virginia, as all five locali- 604 on March 27 to 1,021 on VIRGINIA TIGHTENS COVID-19 ALEXANDRIA borhood, Chirilagua, a nickname for ties had higher seven-day average RESTRICTIONS March 30. Inova Alexandria Hospital’s drive- Arlandria, experienced community positivity rates on Aug. 21 than they Several statewide COVID-19 restric- through testing site for COVID-19 in spread of the virus on a greater level did on July 21. While two months tions went into effect on Nov. 16. Gov. Old Town opened in April. The city than most other neighborhoods in ago Alexandria had the second Ralph Northam (D-VA) announced ACPS CLOSES BUILDINGS FOR announced on April 17 that it was the city and areas of the state. The lowest seven-day moving average the new restrictions – which limit 2019-2020 SCHOOL YEAR supporting Inova in bringing vehi- virus exacerbated many of the un- positivity rate in Northern Virginia, In response to the growing outbreak cle-side testing to the Inova Primary derlying anxieties that Hispanic and by Aug. 21 it had the second high- gatherings to 25 people and tighten of COVID-19 in Virginia, Gov. Ralph Care Old Town clinic, which joined low-income residents were already est – topped only by Prince William state-mandated mask-wearing and Northam announced at a press three other Inova facilities in offering dealing with and magnified socio- County’s rate of 8.3%. sanitation protocols – in response conference on March 23 that school vehicle-side testing. economic problems that existed well to a statewide increase in COVID-19 buildings throughout the state would before the pandemic. SEPTEMBER cases. be closed for the remainder of the MAY 2019-2020 school year. COVID-19 TRENDS REVEAL DECEMBER Alexandria City Public Schools issued COVID-19 NUMBERS CLIMB ALEXANDRIA PREPARES TO HOW ALEXANDRIA RATES IN a statement saying that it had been IN MAY REOPEN REGIONAL FATALITIES COVID-19 VACCINE ARRIVES preparing for “this eventuality.” The number of confirmed COVID-19 After a two-week delay, Northern A detailed look at various data points IN VIRGINIA cases in Alexandria continued to rise, Virginia was allowed to join the rest revealed that Alexandria compared fa- Gov. Ralph Northam (D-VA) an- with an average of 46 new cases re- of the state in entering the first phase vorably to its Northern Virginia neigh- nounced on Dec. 14 that the first CITY COUNCIL PASSES EMER- ported each day in the month of May, of Gov. Ralph Northam’s (D-VA) plan bors in deaths per case of COVID-19 allotment of a vaccine made by GENCY ORDINANCES TO COM- close to the city’s peak. to reopen the state on May 29. Phase in September, with 1.8% of confirmed Pfizer-BioNTech for the prevention of BAT COVID-19 As of May 6, there was cumulatively one of reopening limited capacity for or suspected cases resulting in death. COVID-19 in individuals 16 years of businesses, maintained social dis- City Council declared a local state 983 cases, 120 hospitalizations and Alexandria’s rate was just behind that age and older was arriving in Virginia. tancing guidelines and the governor’s of Prince William for lowest in the re- of emergency on March 14. Council 26 deaths in Alexandria. The vaccine is administered in two also adopted emergency ordinances stay at home order and required the gion, and it also bested the statewide doses, three weeks apart. to suspend enforcement of certain use of face coverings. average of 2.1% The initial limited supply of vaccine regulations and special use permit GOV. RALPH NORTHAM DE- conditions for local businesses and LAYS NORTHERN VIRGINIA JUNE OCTOBER was prioritized for health care workers place a temporary moratorium on REOPENING that may encounter people sick with penalties for late tax payments for After conversations with local offi- ALEXANDRIA ENTERS PHASE ALEXANDRIA OPTIMISTIC AF- COVID-19, with residents and staff in businesses. cials in five Northern Virginia juris- TWO OF REOPENING TER SIX MONTHS OF long-term facilities set to receive the dictions, Gov. Ralph Northam (D-VA) Alexandria and the rest of Northern PANDEMIC vaccine soon after. APRIL delayed the reopening of the region Virginia entered the second phase of City and healthcare leaders were to May 29. Local officials and health reopening on June 12, after the rest cautiously optimistic about the state FIRST COVID-19 DEATH directors argued that the original first of the state entered phase two on of Alexandria at the six-month mark. ACPS PUSHES BACK IN-PER- OCCURS IN ALEXANDRIA phase of the governor’s reopening June 5. The second phase of reopen- “Compared to a few months ago, Al- SON LEARNING Coronavirus cases in Alexandria es- plan for the region, which was set to ing further eased public health restric- exandria’s numbers have somewhat The Alexandria School Board voted calated rapidly in April, with the first begin on May 15, was far too soon tions, allowed more sectors to open stabilized,” Dr. Stephen Haering, to “pause” all in-person learning in resident death due to COVID-19 re- for Northern Virginia, a hot zone for and permitted larger gatherings. director of the Alexandria Health De- Alexandria City Public Schools until partment, said in an email. ported on April 9. By the end of April, the state’s COVID-19 cases. January, backpedaling on previous The City of Alexandria implemented there had been 754 positive cases of JULY re-entry plans. COVID-19 reported in the city, result- a mask ordinance on Oct. 1 that con- VIRGINIA ENTERS PHASE tained stricter requirements than the This decision was in direct contrast ing in 21 fatalities. CITY FACES UNEMPLOYMENT with the board’s previous decision to SPIKE THREE OF REOPENING state. The ordinance requires that face coverings be worn in all indoor pursue a return to in-person learn- As of May 13, Alexandria residents Virginia entered phase three of Gov. Ralph Northam’s (D-VA) reopening locations, other than a personal ing for all students K-12 through a LONG-TERM CARE FACILITIES had filed 10,609 initial unemploy- plan on July 1. The decision co- residence or vehicle, and all outdoor phased-in approach, beginning with HIT HARD BY COVID-19 ment claims. Initial claims began incided with a decline in positive locations where physical distancing English learners and students with Four long-term care facilities in Al- pouring in during mid-March, climb- COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations cannot be achieved. disabilities. 10 |DECEMBER 31, 2020 ALEXANDRIA TIMES

FEBRUARY MARCH Four-alarm fire destroys COVID-19 construction site near Route 1 A plume of black smoke bil- hits Alexandria lowed above Alexandria in early February due to a four-alarm structure fire about a mile south of the beltway. The column of smoke was visible from miles away and was picked up on weather radar. The fire was in the 2800 block of Poag Street, near the intersection of Route 1 and PHOTO/DENISE DUNBAR Kings Highway in the Alexandria The meat aisle at the Old Town Safeway on March 16. portion of Fairfax County. The fire destroyed the PHOTO/CLAUDIA HOSKY The year 2020 took a major close contact with a D.C. resident construction site of South The plume of smoke from a four-alarm fire south of the beltway was turn in mid-March. After months associated with Christ Church of Alex, a new $135 million, visible for miles. The fire destroyed a new mixed-use development of the new coronavirus spreading Georgetown who tested positive 502,000-square-foot mixed- called South Alex near the intersection of Route 1 and Kings Highway. in Asia and Europe, COVID-19, for COVID-19. The D.C. resident use development. Construction the disease caused by the virus, had spent time at the Immanuel had begun in December 2018 Combined Properties, the build- 400 residential units, retail made its way to the United States. Chapel of the Virginia Theological and was expected to be coming’s developer. The develop- space and a 20,000-square- The first COVID-19 case in Alex- Seminary in Alexandria. pleted by 2021, according to ment was intended to include foot Aldi grocery store. andria was reported on March 11. By the end of the March, there The first case was an Alexan- were 44 cases of COVID-19 re- Titans boys’ No affordable housing at dria resident who had been in ported in Alexandria. basketball Douglas MacArthur Gov. Ralph Northam A heated discussion broke Per a Jan. 31 memo from City team takes out in the community in Janu- Manager Mark Jinks and Super- issues stay-at-home order ary about the potential for co-lo- intendent Gregory C. Hutchings, Gov. Ralph Northam issued a hering to the rules about social division title cated affordable or workforce Ed.D., the city and Alexandria stay-at-home order for all Virgin- distancing, but it is clear more housing at the new Douglas City Public Schools made it ians on March 30. At the time, people need to hear this basic MacArthur Elementary School clear that they are no longer ex- the order was set to be in effect message: Stay home.” site, after the city said it was ex- ploring co-location at Douglas until June 10, unless amended Under the order, Virginians ploring options at the site. MacArthur. or rescinded by another execu- could not go out except for tive order, according to a news food, supplies, work, exercise release. or to seek medical care. “In this difficult time, Virgin- Northam’s order came in Bishop Ireton opens ians are stepping up to support the aftermath of a sharp rise their neighbors and their com- in confirmed COVID-19 cases. munities,” Northam said at a The number of cases in Virginia new building press conference on March 30. increased from 604 on March Bishop Ireton High School of- donors, the Diocese of Arling- “… We’ve also seen people ad- 27 to 1,021 on March 30. PHOTO/ ANNA JAEGER PHOTOGRAPHY ficially unveiled its new academ- ton and a school loan, B.I. T.C. point guard Mike Teal at the ic center, the school’s biggest spokesperson Josh Goldman Gunston District championship upgrade since it was founded in said. The renovation project on Feb. 21. 1964, at a ribbon cutting cere- also includes a new front en- Local COVID-19 testing limited mony in early February. trance and auxiliary gym. As the COVID-19 pandemic es- “Localities do not determine With a surprise buzzer beater The four-story academic A major goal of the new aca- calated, one of the biggest ques- test availability or criteria,” Fifer in the final second of the game, center is the major component demic building was to bring B.I. tions on residents’ minds was, said in an email. “… Localities the T.C. Williams High School of the school’s “The Future is up to date on technology and “How do I get tested for corona- can help around the edges of varsity boys’ basketball team Now” campaign. The project to offer a more extensive STEM virus?” testing, but we can’t just ‘get claimed the Gunston District cost more than $28 million curriculum, Head of School In March, the number of avail- everyone tested.’ There are not championship on Feb. 21. and is being funded by private Kathleen McNutt said. able test kits was an ongoing enough tests yet to test people problem nationwide. At that time, who don’t have symptoms and/ Other notable events: testing in Alexandria was limit- or high-risk factors.” ed to patients with symptoms of Most doctors were following the City expands Black history programming; NOVA student Nathan Pereda debuts new composition; Council COVID-19 and a doctor’s order, Centers for Disease Control and updates Eisenhower East vision; Council approves senior housing building on First Street; School board city spokesman Craig Fifer said. Prevention’s criteria for testing. approves net-zero energy design for Douglas MacArthur rebuild. WWW.ALEXTIMES.COM DECEMBER 31, 2020 | 11

Nancy Perkins | 2020 Signiﬁ cant Sales

Thank you to all my wonderful clients and colleagues for a joyful and productive year!

Nancy Perkins +1 703 402 5599 [email protected] Watch My Film: NancyPerkins.ttrsir.com 400 South Washington Street, Alexandria, VA

©2020 Sotheby’s International Realty A liates LLC. All Rights Reserved. Sotheby’s International Realty® is a licensed trademark to Sotheby’s International Realty A liates LLC. Each O ce Is Independently Owned And Operated. SIR1 12 |DECEMBER 31, 2020 ALEXANDRIA TIMES

MARCH

“THE MOUTH IS THE GATEWAY TO Council passes emergency or- FREE dinances to combat COVID-19 THE BODY, SO WHOLE HEALTH CHILD EXAM (under 12) City Council declared a local restaurants and other businesses BEGINS WITH ORAL HEALTH.” state of emergency at its public related to the restaurant meals Cleaning & Images hearing on March 14. tax, transient occupancy tax and when scheduling On March 19, the city sus- Business, Professional and Occu- Dental Excellence Integrative Center with a parent pended enforcement of certain pational License tax. new resident is a Mercury-Free and Mercury Safe offer regulations and special use per- Council also passed three dental office in Northern Virginia. Our mission is to give you mit conditions that limit busi- emergency resolutions, two that nesses’ hours of operation, deliv- extended the filing deadlines for and your family healthy teeth and gums for life. eries, off-premises alcohol sales the business personal property We have the latest technology and procedures such as: Drill- and outdoor sales, according to a tax and elderly and disabled tax free cavity solutions, non-surgical and non-invasive snoring news release. relief applications. The third reso- treatments, Mercury Safe Removal (S.M.A.R.T. certified) Safe Council unanimously adopted lution authorized the city manag- an emergency ordinance on March er to apply for grants during the Biocompatible materials and Oxygen/Ozone therapy. 24 placing a temporary moratori- emergency instead of bringing um on penalties and interest for them to council. Comprehensive & Holistic Oral Health Solutions: Preventive Dentistry: • Advanced dental laser system ACPS closes buildings for • Cavity treatment with for bone regeneration Biocompatible fillings • Innovative oxygen, Ozone therapy 2019-2020 school year • Mercury safe removal • Lip/tongueDoes your tie laser home release’s exterior need some post-winter TLC? • Chao pinhole gumCall reju- us •today Take-home for sleep a FREE apnea estimate. We are scheduling summer jobs now! venation technique study device • Bacteria & virus • Oral sleep apnea 703-684-7702 elimination by laser appliance therapy Run• inRoot April canal and May therapy 2020 with advanced laser technique Adult & Child Orthopedics &

• Immune system Orthodontics PHOTO/MARTY DEVINE reactivity testing • Braces The city closed all fenced playgrounds on March 21. • TMJ therapy • Invisalign In response to the growing out- saying that it had been prepar- • Dental-Facial Airway Improvement break of COVID-19 coronavirus in ing for “this eventuality.” Thinking• Dental-facial of painting Airway Development your home ’s exteriorVirginia, Gov. before Ralph Northam winter an- “Noarrives? student will be penalized It willthrough be here alternative before Osteopathic you know ALF Ap it.- Call usnounced now at a pressfor conferencea FREE for estimate! closure of any of our schools on March 23 that school build- at this time,” Superintendent Dr. pliance for Children ings throughout the state would Gregory Hutchings, Ed.D., said. • Anterior Facial Growth 703-684-7702be closed for the remainder of “… At this time, no student will be Guided Appliance Therapy the 2019-2020 school year. required to repeat a grade level NEW Alexandria City Public or attend summer school due to Run in June, July, August, 2020 Schools issued a statement our school closures.” PATIENT We want say THANK YOU SPECIALS to all of our patients, and we Other notable events: AVAILABLE can’t wait to see you in 2021! Former Alexandria Police Chief Charles Samarra dies at 74; T.C. hockey Call us and mention player named league’s Player of the Year; SSSAS and Episcopal boys NEWRESIDENT for basketball teams compete in state playoffs; SBA offers federal disaster (703) 745-5496 • [email protected] loans to local small businesses; Alexandria Times launches kids’ sec- more details. tion; Sustainable grocer Mason & Greens opens mid-pandemic.

We’re booking interior painting projects for the winter. ASK ABOUT Want to get on our schedule? Call us now for a FREE estimate! OUR WINTER DISCOUNT! 703-684-7702

Run in Sept, Oct, Nov, and Dec 2020 WWW.ALEXTIMES.COM DECEMBER 31, 2020 | 13

APRIL First city Drive-through testing in Alexandria COVID-19 Inova Alexandria Hospi- demic. However, with 700 Town clinic located at 325 tal’s drive-through testing positive cases of COVID-19 S. Washington St. The Old site for COVID-19 in Old in Alexandria as of April Town site was functioning death Town opened in April. 29, patients, doctors and as a respiratory illness clin- Coronavirus cases in Alexan- In Alexandria, private public health officials were ic with limited hours since dria escalated rapidly in April, doctors, Inova and commu- unified in calling for more April 20, and it joined three with the first resident death due nity health organizations testing. other Inova facilities in to COVID-19 reported on April 6. like Neighborhood Health The city announced on offering vehicle-side test- By the end of April, there had provided Alexandrians with April 17 that it was sup- ing, an option that has be- a number of options for reporting Inova in bringing come increasingly common been 754 positive cases of PHOTO/CODY MELLO-KLEIN COVID-19 reported in the city, re- The Inova Primary Care Old Town clinic of- ceiving a COVID-19 test in vehicle-side testing to the across the country and in sulting in 21 fatalities. fered limited hours for vehicle-side testing. the early days of the pan- Inova Primary Care Old the region. Long-term care facilities Local organizations supply food hit hard by COVID-19 during coronavirus pandemic Four long-term care facilities to their local health department. As Alexandrians struggled in Alexandria reported COVID-19 In Alexandria, Hermitage North- with financial difficulties, cases among residents or staff in ern Virginia publicly reported 12 health concerns, job security April. In three of the facilities there positive cases of COVID-19. Both and other anxieties during the were outbreaks among residents, Silverado Alexandria and Wood- coronavirus pandemic, sever- while the fourth reported cases bine Rehabilitation & Healthcare al local organizations have among staff but not residents. Center reported that they had worked to ensure that food re- Virginia state code requires positive cases of COVID-19, but mains off that list of worries. certain facilities and programs, in- declined to share how many. In From Alexandria City Pub- cluding long-term care residences, addition, Goodwin House Alexan- lic Schools to ALIVE!, organi- to report the presence or suspect- dria reported that four employees zations throughout the city ed presence of an illness outbreak had tested positive. hosted food drives and distribution events to make sure all PHOTO/VOLUNTEER ALEXANDRIA Alexandrians have enough to Volunteers from Volunteer Alexandria pose for a social-distance-ap- Local arts organizations eat during the financially un- propriate photo after helping distribute food at the ALIVE! food drive adapt to social distancing certain time. on March 28. City manager restructures FY2021 budget City Manager Mark Jinks re- are largely due to the coronavi- pects for capital projects were leased the details for the city’s rus’ impact on the economy. As looking good, but during March significantly revised – and re- planned, city council was set to and early April, the public health duced – fiscal year 2021 budget adopt the budget for FY2021 and crisis resulted in the spread of the on April 7. the 10-year capital improvement coronavirus caused “one of the PHOTO/CODY MELLO-KLEIN Jinks’ revised budget proposal projects budget on April 29. biggest sudden economic down- The Birchmere had to cancel or postpone all shows through May for FY2021 came in at $753.3 When Jinks originally proposed turns we’ve ever seen,” Jinks said. and let go of the majority of its staff after the coronavirus hit. million, down 5.8 percent from his $799.9 million FY2021 bud- “The budget situation, in short, the $799.9 million budget he pro- get to city council on Feb. 18, it’s cataclysmic,” Mayor Justin Due to social distancing through their seasonal runs. posed on Feb. 18. The changes revenues were growing and pros- Wilson said. measures put in place to com- Audiences have struggled to bat the coronavirus, live mu- get refunds for tickets they pur- sic venues across the coun- chased months ago. Other notable events: try have been forced to push “There’s a lot of small great Spring2ACTion raises $2.45 million for Alexandria nonprofits; PY Metro southern entrance approved; back or cancel shows and let clubs that are not gonna make Former Registrar of Voters Thomas Parkins dies at 70; Residents and businesses organize homemade go of their staff. Theaters have it through this,” Greg Oelze, mask-making efforts; Tenants protest Southern Towers for charging rent; Alexandria Times launches stopped performances halfway owner of the Birchmere, said. "Wear a mask. Save a life." campaign. 14 |DECEMBER 31, 2020 ALEXANDRIA TIMES

MAY SOLD COVID-19 numbers climbed in May The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Alexandria Reids Grove, a Custom Community of Buchanan Price Luxury continued to rise, with an aver- 610 S Lee St, Alexandria VA 22314 Homes in Downtown Mclean. Starting at $2,700,000 $2,395,000 age of 46 new cases reported UNDER CONTRACT each day in the month of May, SOLD close to the city’s peak. As of May 6, there cumulatively had been 983 cases, 120 hospitalizations and 26 deaths in Alex- andria. At the time, the Alexan- dria Health Department reported that 58% of the fatalities in the 1811 N Barton St, Arlington, VA 22201 11760 Sunrise Valley Dr #115 Reston VA 20191 city, 15 of 26, were residents in $1,131,000 $350,000 Since 2002, Debbie has been working with buyers, sellers, and long-term care facilities. Seven New to the market with over 3800 sq. feet on 3 levels this special house, remodeled long-term care facilities in the Sinceinvestors 2002, of Debbie real estate has beenin the working Washington with DC buyers, and northern sellers, andVirginia in 2020, has lovely river views and is surrounded by windows. The (4) FOUR off city had experienced outbreaks. PHOTO/CODY MELLO-KLEIN investorsmarkets. ofShestreet real has parkingestate sold spacesover in the $400 are Washington exceptional Million worthfor DC Old Townandof property, Northernhomes. and Virginia In response, AHD announced Neighborhood Health launched markets.has had theThrough pleasure her ofprevious working career with clients in Technology as they move sales up with and it would expand testing in these its first community testing site worldmoveThe classon elegant with companies, familylife's changes.room, Debbie a 2013 addition, learned has the a high valuable vaulted ceilingskills with of careful an facilities. on May 16. listening,indoor/outdoor understanding fireplace which requirements, adjoins the patio. and This implementingaddition provides great efficient living sales tactics for all types of clients. Gov. Ralph Northam delays time. Through her previous career in technology sales with world AsAs Thea a result result gourmet of of kitchenher her performance performance features Wolf and and and Sub-Zero dedication dedication appliances to to herand her has clients, clients, many detailsDebbie Debbie waswasclasswhich promoted promoted companies, include a to built-into Senior DebbieSenior breakfront, Vice Vicelearned President, andPresident, isthe functionally valuable and and designed is isskills consistently constantly of for careful easy access one one of toof Northern Virginia reopening thethelistening, highest highest understanding producers producers across across requirementskitchen Northern Northern appliances. and Virginia. Virginia. implementing She She has has efficiencyfine fine tuned tuned After conversations with local At the time, the region was herherfor negotiating thenegotiating client. tactics tactics and and listening listening skills, skills, allowing allowing her her to to achieve achieve officials in five Northern Virginia not meeting the governor’s own exemplary results, holding herself to the highest standard as a great jurisdictions, Gov. Ralph Northam metrics for reopening. Insuffi- of the famous Sothebys, and Sothebys International Realty brand. (D-VA) delayed the reopening of cient testing, a limited supply of steward of the famous Sotheby's & Sotheby's International Realty the region to midnight on May 28. personal protective equipment brand.Debbie has become a Senior Vice President, and is constantly at theTwo top new of baths the andsales upstairs charts laundry across provide Virginia. a wonderful She andhas functional fine tuned floor her plan. Local officials and health di- in nursing homes and a lack of The lower level is unfinished with a walk-out to the grounds. negotiating tactics and listening skills, allowing her to achieve rectors argued that the original infrastructure for contact trac- first phase of the governor’s ing would also make the first exemplaryThere is a whole results, house generatorholding herselfwhich is essentialto the standardfor the work a at steward home community! of the reopening plan for the region, phase of reopening a potential- Sothebys International Realty brand would. which was set to begin on May ly risky gambit for the region, 15, was far too soon for North- according to an open letter sent Open Sundays ern Virginia, a hot zone for the by officials and health directors Asking $2,495,000 state’s COVID-19 cases. in the region.

Debbie Shapiro M. +1 703.407.1600 City faces O. +1 703.319.3344 TTR Sotheby’s International Realty unemployment spike 6723 Whittier Ave Across the country, people ment claims hit a peak the week Suite 101, McLean,TTR Sothebys VA International 22101 Realty 6723 Whittier Ave #101 were filing unemployment claims of April 4 – 2,578 claims – before Mclean, VA 22102 Office: 703-319-3344 in high numbers due to the decreasing incrementally. Cell: 703-407-1600 COVID-19 pandemic, and Alexan- Although some industries, Email: [email protected] dria residents were no different. such as hospitality, food ser- ©2020 Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. All Rights Reserved. Sotheby’s International Realty® is a licensed trademark to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated. SIR1 By May 13, Alexandria resi- vice and fitness, were impacted dents had filed 10,609 initial more than others, the economic unemployment claims, according impact of the virus spared few. to the Virginia Employment Com- Many residents applied for and Support us by supporting them! mission. Initial claims began pour- received unemployment bene- ing in during mid-March, climbing fits, but numerous others, par- Our advertisers are our partners in bringing you the news every week. from 33 the week of March 14 to ticularly Hispanic workers and re- Please show them your thanks by patronizing their businesses. 797 the week of March 21. The cent immigrants, were unable to city’s number of initial unemploy- apply for unemployment support. WWW.ALEXTIMES.COM DECEMBER 31, 2020 | 15

MAY Alexandria prepares Alexandria receives $13.9 Council to reopen on May 29 million in CARES funding adopts City council unanimously ap- Virginia, the City of Alexandria will After a two-week delay, proved plans for residential rent- receive at least $13.9 million. Coun- Northern Virginia was allowed al assistance, food security and cil voted to allocate federal funding to join the rest of the state in FY2021 small business assistance with to the city’s COVID-19 response entering the first phase of money the city received from the costs, Alexandria Health Depart- Gov. Ralph Northam’s (D-VA) federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and ment staffing, a food security plan, budget plan to reopen the state on Economic Security Act. residential rental assistance and May 29. Of the $3.3 billion allocated to small business grants. City council adopted its $753.3 Northern Virginia’s reopen- million fiscal year 2021 operating PHOTO/CODY MELLO-KLEIN ing was delayed until May 29, budget, after an abridged and high- As part of the city's reopening after local officials and health ly unconventional budget session plans, restaurants along King directors in five jurisdictions, COVID-19 hits Chirilagua hard due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Street were able to open out- including Alexandria, wrote an A largely low-income, Hispanic faced similar pandemic-related is- The approved budget was 5.8% door dining on sidewalks and neighborhood, Chirilagua, a nick- sues: illness, job loss and econom- lower than City Manager Mark open letter to Northam stating in parking spots in front of the name for Arlandria, has experi- ic anxiety. Many in Chirilagua were Jinks’ original $799.9 million pro- that May 15 was too early for restaurant. the region, one of the state’s enced community spread of the given the difficult choice between posed operating budget. The orig- COVID-19 epicenters, to con- maintained social distancing virus on a greater level than most employment and economic securi- inal budget focused on costly, long- sider reopening. guidelines and the governor’s other neighborhoods in the city ty or health and safety. term capital projects in the school Phase one of reopening lim- stay at home order and required and areas of the state. Numerous community organi- system and included a 2-cent in- ited capacity for businesses, the use of face coverings. The virus exacerbated many of zations, including Casa Chirilagua crease in the real estate tax rate. the underlying anxieties that His- and Neighborhood Health, The approved budget did not panic and low-income residents stepped up to help those living include the tax rate increase and Other notable events: were already dealing with and mag- in the neighborhood, including some capital improvement projects Silverado’s coronavirus response called into question; Jean-Fran- nified socioeconomic problems making free testing for COVID-19 had to be deferred in order to ac- cois Chaufour, founder of Le Refuge, dies at 67; ACPS plans sum- that existed well before the pan- more readily available and ex- count for an estimated $56.4 mil- mer school for all students; Suicide at Holmes Run Trail. demic. Many in the neighborhood panding food distribution efforts. lion revenue shortfall in FY2021.

Falcons Landing is delighted to announce the opening of our first Terrace Home, in February 2021. With the best features of apartment and cottage settle for living, The Terrace Homes offer a new take on Independent Living for military officers who have honorably served and senior level federal employees. No matter how you spend your days, Falcons Landing gives you the freedom to enjoy all of the activities that define who you are. Only four remain in the first Terrace Home! Call us now to learn more.

ACT FAST! CALL (703) 260-8504 BEFORE THE LAST 10 APARTMENTS ARE RESERVED! www.FalconsLanding.org | Falcons Landing is proud to be a non-profit Life Plan Community. 16 |DECEMBER 31, 2020 ALEXANDRIA TIMES

Thank You to our 2020 Alexandria Clients

1103 FINLEY LANE 505 ORONOCO STREET 9403 LUDGATE DRIVE 1250 S WASHINGTON STREET #109 2100 MAIN LINE BOULEVARD $2,900,000 $1,900,000 $1,740,000 $1,725,000 | Represented Buyer $1,472,100

601 N FAIRFAX STREET #404 1845 POTOMAC GREENS DRIVE 1851 POTOMAC GREENS DRIVE 426 N ALFRED STREET 1612 NORAL PLACE $1,350,000 $1,275,000 $1,195,000 $1,175,000 $1,101,612 | Represented Buyer

822 WATER STREET 903 N OVERLOOK DRIVE 316 N PATRICK STREET 711 S LEE STREET 1004 PENDLETON STREET $1,010,000 $990,000 $960,000 | Represented Buyer $880,000 $862,000

207 S WEST STREET 1128 PRISCILLA LANE 727 S PITT STREET 901 PRINCESS STREET 1239 PORTNER ROAD $859,000 $845,000 | Represented Buyer $800,000 | Represented Buyer $769,000 $750,000 | Represented Buyer

1303 WAYNEWOOD BOULEVARD 7923 NEW MARKET ROAD 363 LIVERMORE LANE 139 CAMERON STATION 6161 BRAELEIGH LANE $716,000 | Represented Buyer $711,000 | Represented Buyer $710,000 $700,000 | Represented Buyer $575,000 NOT PICTURED ALEXANDRIA SALES:

Heather Corey Sharon Wildberger m +1 703 989 1183 | [email protected] m +1 703 597 0374 | [email protected] Alexandria Brokerage | o +1 703 310 6800 Alexandria Brokerage | o +1 703 310 6800

Sotheby’s International Realty® is a licensed trademark to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated. TTR Sotheby’s International Realty fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. WWW.ALEXTIMES.COM DECEMBER 31, 2020 | 17

River View Estate

LISTED AT $60 MILLION

Once in multiple generations does a waterfront estate like River View become available for purchase. Heather Corey Sited on 16.5 acres of George Washington’s original Mount Vernon estate, a visit to River View reminds Vice President us of why Washington boldly proclaimed, “I had rather be on my farm than emperor of the world.” This m +1 703 989 1183 one-of-a-kind property, and its sublime aspect, uniquely had the power to calm the mind of America’s o +1 703 310 6800 founding father. Now, fully reconstituted, rebuilt and modernized, it is likely that President Washington [email protected] would approve of this 21st century version of River View. Alexandria Brokerage Designed by architect Jim Rill and constructed by West Wing Builders, the estate includes a 16,000 400 S. Washington Street square foot main house with exceptional Potomac river views throughout, a 3 bedroom, 3 bath guest Alexandria, VA house, a carriage house with 4 garage bays plus a studio apartment, boat dock, gardens, private walking trails and forward-thinking technology that integrates every aspect of the estate. Some of the amenities include a home spa area with resistance pool, hot tub, steam and sauna rooms, huge home gym with views of the Potomac, 15 seat movie theater and terraces with water views located off every room.

©2021 Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. All Rights Reserved. Sotheby’s International Realty® is a licensed trademark to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated. SIR1 18 |DECEMBER 31, 2020 ALEXANDRIA TIMES

JUNE Residents respond to killing of George Floyd Employees criticize A vigil on June 2, organized by Showing Up for Social Jus- police chief’s leadership tice’s Northern Virginia chapter, For years, there have been ing some who resigned after was one of many local events grumblings of conflict at the allegedly being subjected to that came amid nationwide pro- Alexandria Police Department. retribution, who claim Chief Mi- tests in the wake of the death Some current and former chael L. Brown has established of George Floyd, the 46-year- employees alleged that the an environment without disci- old black security guard who department has a culture of pline or accountability, where died after a white Minneapolis favoritism and retaliation that misconduct is swept under the police officer pinned his knee fuels a hostile work environ- rug. Others, including the pres- on Floyd’s neck for nearly nine ment and damages health and ident of the police union, see minutes. PHOTO/MISSY SCHROTT morale. Few dispute that there Brown as a breath of fresh air. The #EndWhiteSilence vigil Protesters led a march on King Street, from Market Square to the have been problems at the de- In light of George Floyd’s was the first such event in Alex- King Street Metro Station and back, on June 5. The peaceful protest partment. However, opinions murder, the leaders of police andria, but it was not the last. was in response to the killing of George Floyd and in support of the vary when it comes to who’s departments, their practices Like the rest of the country, the Black Lives Matter movement. at fault. and the officers they hire have Alexandria community was hit There are employees, includ- come under greater scrutiny. hard by Floyd’s death, as evi- Local elected officials, spiritu- their support and demand ac- denced by cries for social justice al leaders, social justice groups tion and accountability from the that have echoed across social and residents took to the streets Alexandria Police Department in media and other platforms. throughout the month to show changing its protocols. Confederate statue School Board passes reduced FY2021 budget removed from Old Town The Appomattox, a statue moving monuments dedicated The Alexandria City School required significant reductions creases for principals and senior that commemorated Confed- to veterans. Earlier this year, Board unanimously adopted its due to the ongoing econom- leadership. erate soldiers who died in the the General Assembly passed revised fiscal year 2021 budget ic constraints caused by the The approved FY2021 oper- Civil War, was removed from legislation, signed into law by during a virtual meeting on June 5. COVID-19 pandemic. While the ating budget is $288,319,565, the intersection of Prince and Gov. Ralph Northam, that al- Both the FY2021 budget school board eliminated bonus- which will be funded with Washington streets on June 2. lows localities to remove Con- and FY2021-2030 capital im- es and pay step increases for a total city appropriation of The Confederate memorial, federate war monuments. provement program budget for most ACPS staff, the approved $234,037,296 and other financ- which depicted a south-facing The city’s removal of the AlexandriaModels City Open | Alexandria Public Schools budget Times | Quarter-page included pay scale in- ing 4C:sources. 5.5" x 4.5" soldier, has been a source of statue is part of a broader a decades-long controversy. policy of expanding the scope Conversation about removing of what history – and whose the statue has been ongoing, history – is told in Alexan- Models Now Open but the statue remained in dria, which includes the city’s place due to a state law that acquisition of the Freedom We are here for you and your loved ones. prohibited localities from re- House in March. Visit Sunrise of Old Town for a one-on-one OLD TOWN tour of our brand new models. You’ll get a sneak peek of our community’s amenities, Council prohibits activities, and dining program. We look forward to sharing our personalized approach guns on city property to assisted living and memory care, coming to Alexandria in the spring of 2021. City council unanimously spaces. The ordinance and adopted an ordinance that state law both went into effect bans firearms on city proper- on July 1. Alexandria is the • Highly trained, compassionate team ty at a public hearing on June first jurisdiction in Virginia to of caregivers 20. Residents with concealed adopt such an ordinance un- • Community cleaning protocols are carry permits spoke in oppo- der the new law. constantly reinforced, with professional sition of council’s decision, Specifically, the ordinance deep-cleans performed as necessary while gun control advocates prohibits firearms and ammuni- CONTACT US argued the ordinance makes tion in city facilities, parks and • Conveniently close to medical centers TO SCHEDULE YOUR the city safer. areas requiring special event and hospitals PERSONAL TOUR The ordinance was made permits, such as festivals and possible by a new state law parades. Anyone who violates © 2020 Sunrise Senior Living 703-454-9900 adopted during the Virginia the ordinance will be guilty of All our team members are following COVID-19 infection control SunriseOldTown.com/Times protocols, including wearing a mask. Number of visitors allowed General Assembly’s 2020 a Class 1 misdemeanor, with a inside is limited, to maintain appropriate social distancing. session that permits localities maximum fine of $2,500 and to regulate firearms in public up to one year in jail.

58720156-061-Sunrise_Old_Town_Print_Media_Ads_MODELS_OPEN_hz3.indd 2 11/2/20 1:39 PM WWW.ALEXTIMES.COM DECEMBER 31, 2020 | 19

JUNE JULY Potomac Yard Virginia enters phase shooting suspect three of reopening taken into custody Virginia entered phase three up to 250 people, increasing between tables. of Gov. Ralph Northam’s (D-VA) from a 50-person maximum Meanwhile, some elements A 32-year-old woman was After responding to a po- reopening plan on July 1. The in phase two. Restaurants, of the reopening remained the arrested and taken into cus- tential domestic violence inci- decision coincided with a de- which were allowed to offer same: Social distancing, hand- tody early on the morning of dent, officers heard gunshots cline in positive COVID-19 cases indoor dining at 50% capacity washing and teleworking were still June 6 after barricading her- coming from the suspect’s and hospitalizations statewide. in phase two, were allowed to encouraged, and residents were self in her Potomac Yard apart- apartment. Officers attempt- In phase three, people were open fully but were required to still required to wear face cover- ment for about 18 hours and ed to breach the apartment, allowed to gather in groups of maintain six feet of distance ings indoors in public places. firing on police. but the door was blocked. By The suspect’s motive remained midnight Alexandria police of- unclear. After being apprehend- ficers had breached the door ed, the suspect was transported but not made contact. The to a local hospital, where she Fairfax County Police special APD officer arrested, charged received mental health services. operations unit relieved APD’s The suspect was not physically team at 2 a.m. on June 6 and injured, nor were there any other the suspect was arrested at with assault and battery reported injuries associated with 3 a.m. after she appeared to Alexandria police officer Jon- ation. Griffin used weaponless the employment termination the incident. have fallen asleep. athan Griffin was arrested on force to bring the handcuffed process against Griffin on June June 30 and charged with as- subject to the ground. As a re- 26 after an investigation de- sault and battery for unjustified sult, the man sustained multiple termined that the use of force use of force. injuries to the front of his body. was unnecessary. The assault The use of force incident took The Alexandria Police Depart- and battery charge is a class place on Jan. 27. Griffin, a white, ment placed Griffin on admin- one misdemeanor that carries 32-year-old male, was taking an istrative leave on June 3, more a maximum penalty of one year individual, another white male, than four months after the in- imprisonment and a fine of into custody for a health evalu- cident took place. APD began $2,500.

PHOTO/CODY MELLO-KLEIN Mia's Italian Kitchen, owned by Alexandria Restaurant Partners, was one of many restaurants that was able to expand outdoor School Board votes to rename T.C. seating into the parking spaces in front of its business on the 100 The Alexandria school board is named for Thomas Chambliss was some disagreement about block of King Street. unanimously voted on July 10 Williams, a former Alexandria how quickly the process should to begin the process to rename City Public Schools superinten- take place. Early on, commu- T.C. Williams High School. dent who served from 1930s nity members criticized the The decision was in response to 1963, but who was a noted board for the project’s lengthy Alexandria enters to years of community pressure segregationist. timeline, which the board and that culminated in a 100-signa- While all school board mem- ACPS argued was designed to phase two of reopening ture petition the school board bers expressed support for re- allow for more community en- Alexandria and the rest of lowed to gather increased received on June 15. The school moving the current name, there gagement. Northern Virginia entered the sec- from 10 to 50. Restaurants ond phase of reopening on June could open indoor dining at 12, after the rest of the state en- 50% capacity, and fitness centered phase two on June 5. ters could open at 30 percent Southern The second phase of reopen- capacity. Under phase two, all ing further eased public health businesses and organizations restrictions, allowed more sec- had to continue adhering to tors to open and permitted larg- physical distancing guidelines Towers er gatherings. and increased sanitation prac- Under phase two, the max- tices. Public parks and fields imum number of people al- also started reopening. protest

PHOTO/CODY MELLO-KLEIN Other notable events: Southern Towers tenants and King Street pedestrian zone opens for business; T.C. Williams stu- members of local grassroots dent assaulted while walking home; Alexandrian Daniel Gade wins groups gathered outside the Al- Republican Senate Primary; Petitions advocate renaming T.C. Wil- exandria courthouse to protest liams High School. evictions during the pandemic. 20 |DECEMBER 31, 2020 ALEXANDRIA TIMES

JULY Flash floods strike Parkfairfax, Del Ray Parts of Alexandria experi- able. More than a foot of water enced flash flooding after more filled the 200 block of East Mon- than 2.5 inches of rain fell in the roe Avenue. An eyewitness vid- city in less than an hour on the eo from a Parkfairfax resident night of July 23. showed cars submerged in wa- The Parkfairfax and Del Ray ter and drivers exiting through neighborhoods were hit hardest the windows. by the floods, but residents in This was the second time in two Rosemont and West Alexandria years that a major storm swept also experienced surging storm- through Alexandria. The flooding water, as the city’s infrastructure sparked a wave of frustration was quickly overwhelmed by the from residents, who expressed intensity of the rainfall. Streets outrage with the city’s response in Old Town, Del Ray and North- to the flooding and management ern Alexandria became impass- of its stormwater system.

PHOTO/MISSY SCHROTT The Heritage is currently composed of several three-story housing units, The staff, Board of and families of Community like the one pictured above, and one six-story apartment building. Lodgings thank you for the amazing support The Heritage to be redeveloped The Heritage, located at were essentially tasked with de- you have given us this year. 413 S. Columbus St., current- termining whether the existing ly spans three blocks, with buildings had significant archi- 244 apartments and 136,800 tectural or historic value. square feet in the southwest The proposed project drew quadrant of Old Town. significant public outcry from Wishing you all a safe, On July 15, the Board of Ar- residents in and around the chitectural Review considered a apartment complex, as it would request to completely demolish be more than triple the current happy New Year! the existing buildings on the site size. Many of those who spoke and provided a concept review against the project said the proj- www.communitylodgings.org of the proposed new develop- ect is too large and does not ment. In considering the request align with the architectural char- for demolition, BAR members acter of the neighborhood. ADVERTISE WITH US Other notable events: Abyssinia Market vandalized; Alexandria Economic Development Part- nership provides $3.5 million in grants to local businesses for pan- Our Pets section runs the first week of every month. Don't miss your chance to demic relief; Longtime city registrar retires; Southern Towers tenants advertise in the section! Contact us at 703-739-0001 for rates and more information. protest evictions. WWW.ALEXTIMES.COM DECEMBER 31, 2020 | 21 Union Square AUGUST Union Square salutes the efforts our doctors, nurses ACPS plans to go fully online for fall 2020 and first responders Alexandria City Pub- remote learning through fighting Covid-19. lic Schools announced the first quarter, at which on July 31 that students point staff would reassess Find us online at would be attending class- the potential for in-person es entirely online to start education. Union Visit Alexandria Unique venues the fall 2020 school year. ACPS teachers and staff Square Similar to neighboring were largely supportive of and on Wedding Wire. school districts, ACPS’ the proposed plan, even Sending you our warmest Virtual Plus+ program in- as they acknowledged a wishes for a healthy 2021! volved daily live instruction desire to get back in the Elegant, spacious, 19th c ballroom in the heart of Old streamed via Zoom, virtual classroom. Parents were Town-the perfect place appropriate micro-entertaining or hosting house one-on-one and group tu- not as supportive of the guests. Accepting winter reservations. toring sessions and some plan, citing ongoing chal- asynchronous learning op- lenges involved with virtu- COURTESY PHOTO Find us online atVisit Alexandria Unique venues and on Wedding Wire. portunities. ACPS’s plan inal learning, particularly for ACPS students Jack and Will Estabrook take 571-263-9805 | [email protected] volved starting with entirely younger children. part in virtual learning. Murder suspect commits suicide after police chase Ibrahim Elkahlil Bouaichi, a awaiting trial in jail, Bouaichi was Federal Bureau of Investiga- suspect in the July 29 murder of released on bond by Circuit Court tion’s regional Violent Crimes Karla Elizabeth Dominguez, died Judge Nolan Dawkins on April 9, Task Force located Bouaichi in on Aug. 5 after a police chase according to the Alexandria Sher- Maryland on Aug. 5 and initiat- that ended in Bouaichi suffering a iff's Department. ed a vehicle pursuit that ended fatal self-inflicted gunshot wound. The details of Bouaichi’s re- when Bouaichi’s car crashed in Bouaichi was previously arrest- lease resulted in outrage online, Prince George’s County. ed and indicted for rape charges as residents and local officials Officers found Bouaichi with against Gonzalez in October called for changes in the justice the self-inflicted gunshot wound 2019. Gonzelez testified against system and answers from those and transported him to a hospi- Bouaichi in Alexandria District involved in the case. tal where he received medical Court in December 2019. While APD officers involved in the treatment before succumbing.

Most city private schools Planning to spruce up your home’s interior this year or next? offer in-person instruction Call us now for a FREE estimate, and take All public school systems in start of the 2020- 2021 school 10% off if the work is performed Northern Virginia, including Al- year. No local private schools between December 2020 and March 2021. exandria City Public Schools, announced plans to hold fall announced that they would classes completely virtually. begin the school year with com- Each of Alexandria’s three pletely virtual instruction. Most major private high schools took 703-684-7702 local private schools, however, slightly different approaches, took a different approach. all of which involved virtual techpainting.com Many of Alexandria’s private learning, ranging from hybrid elementary, middle and high models that mixed in-person PHOTO/WILL DUNBAR schools opted for either com- and virtual instruction to more Flooding at the foot of Prince pletely in-person or hybrid vir- of an emphasis on in-person Street. tual/in-person models for the education.

Other notable events: Former State Sen. Bob Calhoun dies at 83; Constitutional redistricting amendment set to appear on No- vember ballot; Northern Virginia experiences slight spike in its COVID-19 positivity rate; Vice mayor’s aide arrested during D.C. protest. 22 |DECEMBER 31, 2020 ALEXANDRIA TIMES

AUGUST SEPTEMBER ACPS reopening raises equity concerns An accused rapist’s bond hearing Alexandria City Public Schools some community leaders argued ing parents who could not stay The transcript of accused hearing the same prosecutor began the fall quarter remote- that this decision pushed some home, individualized service rapist Ibrahim Bouaichi’s April who appeared at the prelimi- ly — a decision that garnered students and families in the Al- options for students with dis- 2020 bond hearing obtained by nary hearing. praise from public-health ex- exandria community to the brink, abilities and other equitable the Alexandria Times revealed At the hearing, Bouaichi’s perts and some parents but that as the virus exacerbated pre-ex- solutions. However, difficult, or details about the discussion lawyers, Frank Salvato and Man- also sparked discussion over isting inequities in the city. even violent, home situations re- between Bouaichi’s defense at- uel Leiva, argued that Bouaichi equity and accessibility issues The school district’s virtual mained challenges for teachers, torneys, the prosecutor from the should be released because in online learning. learning plan emphasized eq- parents and students in a new Alexandria Commonwealth’s At- they had a case for Bouaichi’s Despite ACPS’ best efforts, uity, childcare options for work- online learning environment. torney’s office and Judge Nolan innocence, he had a right to a Dawkins in the hearing that re- speedy trial, he would be at risk sulted in Bouaichi’s release and of contracting the coronavirus in his eventual murder of resident jail and he was not a threat to Karla Dominguez. the community. How an accused rapist Dominguez had accused Although the prosecutor ar- Bouaichi of raping her in Octo- gued against releasing Bouai- ber 2019. Bouaichi was indicted chi, Dawkins ordered Bouaichi was released from jail by a grand jury in January on five released on $25,000 bond. The felony charges, including rape, prosecution did not ask for – On July 29, Ibrahim Bouaichi, COVID-19 were reported in the set in his bond order. but was still released on bond in and Dawkins did not require – who had been indicted for rape, region in mid-March. It was un- The Alexandria Times in- early April. Bouaichi to wear a GPS tracking allegedly shot and killed his ac- usual, however, that someone vestigated the circumstances The April bond hearing last- device. cuser, Karla Dominguez, while facing such serious charges – around Bouaichi’s release, ed only 22 minutes. Dawkins, While out on bond and await- out on bond. rape, sodomy, abduction, stran- details about his prior arrests the judge considering the bond ing trial, Bouaichi shot and Bouaichi, 33, was one of gulation and burglary – was al- and how a legal system in the motion, was not the same killed Dominguez outside of her many incarcerated people lowed to walk free without GPS middle of a global pandemic judge who ruled over Bouaic- Alexandria apartment. He later who had been released from tracking and seemingly little released an accused rapist hi’s preliminary hearing, nor committed suicide while being jail since the first cases of enforcement of the conditions from jail. was the prosecutor at the bond pursued by police.

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SEPTEMBER City experiences another Hutchings’ ‘100-year’ flood leadership comes On the afternoon of Sept. 10, began expressing increasing frus- flash floods. under fire flash flooding at a rate as high tration with the city. Many were Councilor Amy Jackson urged Several former members of low staff morale. as 3 inches in 10 minutes over- particularly irked by the frequent city staff and her fellow councilors Alexandria City Public Schools’ Other educators and mem- whelmed the city’s infrastructure response they had been getting to act quickly. leadership staff criticizedthe bers of the community contin- for the third time in three months, from city staff and officials: that “If there’s anything we can do behavior of Superintendent ued to support Hutchings’ vi- resulting in flooding throughout the rain events had a 1% chance right now before the next 100-year- Dr. Gregory Hutchings Ed.D.’s sion for the future, especially the city. of occurring – despite four “100- rain comes next week, we need to along with his leadership and as the school division kicked Alexandria residents, particular- year” events in the past 14 get on top of it now and show the handling of the recent ACPS or- off its first all-online fall se- ly those in hard-hit neighborhoods months – and that the city’s storm city residents that the city is be- ganizational restructuring. mester in the midst of a global such as Del Ray and Parkfairfax, system is not equipped to handle hind them,” Jackson said. These departed senior pandemic. administrators alleged that Hutchings defended his ad- Hutchings mishandled the re- ministration, saying, “I believe organization, which eliminat- in VIP: vision, integrity and pas- ed the positions of several de- sion, integrity being one of the AHS Board votes to partment directors and Chief most important things. That is Operating Officer Mignonsomething that I live by every Anthony. They contended the single day, in respecting people put River Farm up for sale moves compromised ACPS’ in their profession. Even when I ability to achieve its long-term disagree, I still believe in being The American Horticultural goals and decreased already professional and respectful.” Society announced in Septem- ber that it was putting River Farm up for sale on the open real estate market, sparking a community uproar. BAR fight River Farm, which has served The Alexandria Board of Ar- criticized the plans, which had as the national organization’s chitectural Review rejected ren- undergone slight revisions in headquarters since 1973, is 27 derings of a proposed 777-unit style but not size after being acres of publicly accessible open apartment complex on the edge rejected by the BAR in July. space on the Potomac River and of Old Town that would more “We had some very serious one of five farms in the area once than triple the footprint of the concerns at our last meet- owned by George Washington. existing Heritage property. ing, and what came back Since AHS acquired the prop- A regularly-scheduled BAR as changes weren’t actually erty in 1973, through a $1 meeting became heated as changes,” BAR Chair Christine million donation from philan- BAR members and residents Roberts said. thropist and AHS member Enid Haupt, neighbors have enjoyed PHOTO/CODY MELLO-KLEIN walking the grounds, local clubs River Farm, the American Horticultural Society's headquarters, is EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATOR • INDEPENDENT LEARNER have used the property for annu- located at 7931 E. Boulevard Drive. COMMUNITY MINDED CITIZEN • BALANCED INDIVIDUAL al events and couples have held their weddings in the gardens. the decision, and some ques- were left scrambling for a solu- START STRONG. tioned AHS’ motivations and tion that would keep River Farm Neighbors, garden clubs and GRADES K–8 local elected officials criticized lack of transparency. Advocates open to the public. START HERE. At ACDS, we challenge and inspire students with a rigorous curriculum in a safe, welcoming, and student-centered A look at cumulative COVID-19 trends environment. The result: confident, caring, and future-ready community A detailed look at various data per case of COVID-19 in Sep- behind that of Prince William for members who distinguish themselves as points revealed that Alexandria tember, with 1.8% of confirmed lowest in the region, and it also exceptional communicators. compared favorably to its North- or suspected cases resulting in bested the statewide average of ern Virginia neighbors in deaths death. Alexandria’s rate was just 2.1%.

Other notable events: www.acdsnet.org ACPS cuts down 150-year-old oak “Witness Tree” to build concession stand; Early voting starts in Alexan- dria on Sept. 18; Douglas MacArthur Elementary School rebuild comes in over budget; City Council votes Join us for a VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSE on Jan 7 to increase school density. 24 |DECEMBER 31, 2020 ALEXANDRIA TIMES

OCTOBER Legal trailblazer Bernie Shootout leaves suspect dead, Cohen dies at 86 police officer wounded One suspect died and anoth- taken place inside the hotel gunshot wound, and the two er turned himself in after an Oct. and two male suspects had fled suspects fled the scene again. 26 shootout in Old Town North on foot. APD’s K9 teams located one of that began with an armed rob- APD began searching for the the suspects near the intersec- bery at the Holiday Inn & Suites, suspects in Old Town North and tion of Montgomery and North according to the Virginia State eventually located the two sus- Fairfax streets and officers ex- Police. Mitchell David Thomp- pects and began pursuing them changed gunfire with the sus- son, 26, of Alexandria, turned on foot. When they reached the pect, who died at the scene, ac- himself in to the state police intersection of North Royal and cording to state police. that evening. Second streets, two blocks from The officer who had been The Alexandria Police De- the hotel, the officer and one of wounded was treated and re- partment received a 911 call of the suspects exchanged fire. leased from the hospital that shots being fired at the Holiday The officer was shot and sus- same day, and the remaining sus- Inn after an armed robbery had tained a non-life-threatening pect turned himself that night. Taylor Run restoration plan criticized Local environmentalists ques- tioned the benefits of plans by the City of Alexandria to restore 1,900 linear feet of the Taylor COURTESY PHOTO Run stream. The “natural chan- Bernie Cohen with wife Rae, approximately 1970. nel design” method proposed by the city would destroy 269 Long-time Alexandria lawyer Supreme Court unanimously mature trees and change the and state delegate Bernie Co- ruled in favor of Mildred and nature of the adjacent wetlands, hen died from Parkinson’s Dis- Richard Loving, striking down environmentalists claimed. ease on Oct. 12 at age 86. laws in 15 states that banned “It’s the closest thing we have Cohen, along with co-counsel interracial marriage. to a forest in Alexandria,” Rus- Philip Hirschkop, argued before The Loving case was later sell Bailey, a resident and envi- the U.S. Supreme Court in April cited by Supreme Court Justice ronmental advocate, said. 1967 that bans on interracial Anthony Kennedy in his opinion Bailey, along with former Vice marriage were unconstitutional striking down state bans on Mayor Andrew Macdonald, who in the famous case “Loving v. gay marriage in the 2015 case is board chair of the Environ- Virginia.” Two months later, the “Obergefell v. Hodges.” mental Council of Alexandria, said a different solution would PHOTO/MISSY SCHROTT make more sense for Taylor Run The walking path through Chinquapin Park, which runs adjacent to than a stream restoration. the Taylor Run stream. Heating & Air Conditioning 703-683-1996 COVID-19 after six months Six months after the first case were cautiously optimistic about mented a mask ordinance on of COVID-19 was diagnosed in the state of Alexandria at the six- Oct. 1 that contained stricter re- Alexandria on March 19, some month mark. “Compared to a few quirements than the state. The businesses forced to close have months ago, Alexandria’s num- ordinance required that face cov- Celebrating reopened, testing has largely be- bers have somewhat stabilized,” erings be worn in all indoor loca- come more accessible and health Dr. Stephen Haering, director of tions, other than a personal resi- 40 Years in leaders have gathered more infor- the Alexandria Health Depart- dence or vehicle, and all outdoor mation about the virus. ment, said in an email. locations where physical distanc- Alexandria City and healthcare leaders The City of Alexandria imple- ing cannot be achieved. Other notable events: Man dies after crash on North Washington Street; COVID-19 hits city’s tourism revenue; Free clinics pro- www.rbincorporated.com vide more than 1,800 flu vaccines; WMATA proposes eliminating bus routes; Council approves first Virginia Tech Innovation Campus building; Amazon HQ2, Virginia Tech Innovation Campus plans advance. WWW.ALEXTIMES.COM DECEMBER 31, 2020 | 25

NOVEMBER Parent activists push for ACPS reopening A miracle among A group of parents and com- ACPS has been operating virtually munity members took a stand since March, with the exception of against Alexandria City Public six children who resumed in-per- the gravestones Schools’ reopening plan – or son learning on Nov. 5. a perceived lack thereof. The Several community members An elderly resident rescued rushed over to Dalton and group, which calls itself Open began questioning why the di- a dog walker after she was tried to lift the headstone from ACPS, is advocating that ACPS vision’s in-person re-entry plan pinned under a 500-pound the right side, to no avail. Nel- make in-person instruction appeared to be moving slowly, headstone. son crouched at Dalton’s left available to all students so that particularly compared to neigh- Suzanne Dalton was walk- side and told her to count to parents can have a choice of boring jurisdictions and public ing her 2-year-old golden re- three, at which point he would in-person or virtual learning. schools across the country. triever when the dog suddenly lift again. The community members mo- “We’re not here to oppose the ran over a large tombstone, “That particular day I asked bilized what was then a nearly school board, we’re here to work dragging Dalton with her. The God to give me strength to PHOTO/MISSY SCHROTT 700-member Facebook group in with them and offer our counsel tombstone fell on Dalton’s arm, raise that headstone enough Members of Open ACPS distrib- the hopes of raising awareness of as concerned citizens in the com- pinning her to the ground. for her to pull her arm out,” uted yard signs to share their their message and having a say as munity,” Kirsten Dougherty, one Charles Nelson, an 89-year- Nelson said. “On the count of message. ACPS develops plans to reopen. of the group’s organizers, said. old Alexandria resident who three, I told her to pull her arm had been talking with Dalton, out, and on three, she pulled came to her rescue. Nelson her arm out.” School Board votes to T.C. Stadium law- keep police in schools suits are settled The Alexandria School Board cording to an ACPS news release. and Superintendent Dr. Gregory The years-long battle over the residents who live adjacent to voted 6-3 at its Oct. 29 meeting to Many of those who opposed the Hutchings, Ed.D., refuted these T.C. Williams High School stadi- the high school. It allows the approve a revised memorandum MOU claimed that SROs have a claims. They said SROs play no um renovation came to a conclu- school division to move forward of understanding with the Alex- disproportionately negative impact role in the school-to-prison pipe- sion on Nov. 2 in a settlement with its stadium renovation andria Police Department to keep on students of color and advance line, since they are only involved that allows Alexandria City Public project and install lights. specially trained, armed police of- the school-to-prison pipeline. in instances where officers would Schools to install stadium lights However, it restricts usage ficers, known as school resource Numerous other community be called regardless. All other dis- – but also places strict rules gov- of the lights to ACPS sports officers, in city schools. The MOU members, however, including sev- ciplinary actions, including sus- erning use of the lights, with the teams, limits the number of took effect Nov. 1 and will remain eral school administrators, school pensions, are handled by school court providing enforcement. night games to 50 per year and in effect until Oct. 31, 2022, ac- board members, APD officers administration. The agreement settles four sets time restrictions for when separate lawsuits filed against the lights need to be turned off. the City of Alexandria and the The agreement will remain in An uneasy Torpedo Alexandria School Board by 15 place through 2060. Handyman Services Want to get Division of Maid Services, Inc. Factory truce your news • Bathrooms • Painting The most recent Torpedo review and comment on issues at • Plumbing • Electrical Factory action plan, which out- the art center ranging from man- a day before • Carpentry • Drywall Repair Kitchen Power Washing lines a strategy for the future of agement to purpose, according to everyone else? • • the city’s waterfront art center, the plan. The city hired a consul- could go to City Council as early tant for yet another study on the Subscribe to Maid Services Inc. PHOTO/LINDSEY SULLIVAN as 2021. The plan has been in facility – this one called a “Study Alexandria Times • Weekly • Apartments The Torpedo Factory Art Center the works for years. of the Studies” – to distill previous E-edition to get contains three floors of artist For more than a decade, vari- studies and merge overlapping • Bi-Weekly • Condominiums ous stakeholders have commis- themes in order to suggest a path your news delivered • Monthly • Townhouses studios, where visitors can • One Time • Single Homes stroll and watch artists at work. sioned studies and reports to forward for the center. to your email Wednesday night. www.alextimes.com/ Office: Other notable events: sign-up-to-receive- 703-560-6243 Virginia tightens COVID-19 restrictions; River Farm listed for sale at $32.9 million; Hugo Fregnan, Le Ref- e-edition Cell and Text: uge co-owner, dies at 45; Councilor Del Pepper announces she will not seek re-election; Mark Warner, Don 703 629-9977 Beyer re-elected, Virginians approved redistricting amendment in Nov. 3 election; Alexandria Film festival Bruce Elton goes virtual with 45 films. 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DECEMBER Council updates affordable housing policy City Council unanimously ap- wish to pursue added density. contributions in exchange for al- proved an update to the city’s The push for developer require- lowing them waivers of the city’s affordable housing contribution ments to add affordability sparked small area plan density restric- policy at the Dec. 12 public debate between numbers on the tions, while Mayor Justin Wilson hearing. Additional affordable dais. Councilors John Chapman and development lawyer Cathy housing units will now be re- and Mo Seifeldein pushed for Puskar pushed back on requiring quired from developers who more across-the-board developer more developer contributions. COVID-19 vaccine arrives in Virginia PHOTO/SCOTT COLLINS The sunrise as seen from King Street in the first week of December. Gov. Ralph Northam (D- VA) announced on Dec. 14 that the first allotment of a vaccine made by Pfizer-Bi- oNTech for the prevention of COVID-19 in individuals 16 years of age and older was arriving in Virginia. The vaccine is administered in two doses, three weeks apart. The initial limited supply of vaccine will be prioritized for health care workers that may encounter people sick with COVID-19, with residents and staff in long-term facilities set to receive the PHOTO/CHELSEA WEST vaccine soon after. Hand painted sign representing Christmastime in 2020. ACPS pushes back in-person learning The Alexandria School Board ceiving in-person learning for ous decision to pursue a return voted to “pause” all in-person the three weeks before the deci- to in-person learning for all stu- learning in Alexandria City Public sion was made to halt even that dents K-12 through a phased-in Schools until January, backped- limited return to school. approach, beginning with En- aling on previous re-entry plans. This decision was in direct glish learners and students with Only six students had been re- contrast with the board’s previ- disabilities. Duke Street redesign process begins In early 2021, city staff will the high-volume transit corridor number of lanes on Duke Street begin collecting community input and attract more public transit are likely to be met with signif- for the future of the Duke Street riders, according to city staff. It icant community pushback, as Corridor from Landmark Mall to could also involve restructuring the extremely heavily traveled the King Street Metro Station. the corridor to incorporate part- East-West road frequently be- The project’s goal is to add or full-time dedicated bus lanes. comes backed up, particularly enhanced bus service along Proposals for reducing the during rush hour.

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It’s beyond selling homes.

When McEnearney Associates was formed in 1980, John McEnearney knew that he wanted to create a firm that went above and beyond just selling and buying homes for clients... He wanted to give back to the communities that helped grow the firm to more than 350 Associates today. Every Associate that joins our firm stands behind a brand that invests in the communities that we live and work in. They are responsible for our enviable reputation. They are McEnearney Associates.

In a year like no other, we thank these organizations and non-profits that we have worked with to strengthen our communities for the past 40 years.

Old Town Office | 109 S. Pitt Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 | 703.549.9292 | McEnearney.com | #WeAreAlexandria

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