The Alexandria Brief — PM | Friday, February 6
Beyer to seek reelection in redrawn district; five file for council seat; Buddhist monks expected in Alexandria
Happy Friday, Alexandria. Bundle up if you’re heading out tonight — snow showers are possible and temperatures are dropping fast ahead of tomorrow’s high wind warning. The cold is slowing snow melt and sidewalks remain the top complaint, with inspectors now issuing warnings on private property.
Meanwhile, a group of Buddhist monks on a 2,300-mile Walk for Peace is expected to pass through Alexandria this weekend, the city is recommending protected bike lanes on Braddock Road — and more than 2,300 of you have already voted early in Tuesday’s special election. Tomorrow’s the last day to do it.
Here’s what we published today.
Beyer says he'll seek reelection in redrawn 8th District as Spanberger signs redistricting referendum into law. The proposed map would stretch the Northern Virginia seat from Arlington to the Peninsula. Beyer said he'll "work hard to earn the trust of Virginians from Arlington to Yorktown." Voters could decide the map's fate April 21 — if the Virginia Supreme Court allows the referendum to proceed.
Five file for City Council seat ahead of Feb. 21 primary. Sandy Marks, Tim Laderach, Roberto Gomez, Charles Sumpter and Cesar Madison Tapia will compete for the seat being vacated by Councilman Kirk McPike. No last-minute surprises — all five who announced made it official.
Buddhist monks on 2,300-mile Walk for Peace expected to pass through Alexandria. A group of about 19 monks left Fort Worth in October and are expected to reach Washington, D.C., by Feb. 10. Rolling road closures are planned along Route 1.
City recommends protected bike lanes for Braddock Road corridor. The Traffic & Parking Board will consider the design Feb. 23. The Rosemont Citizens Association has opposed parking removal, with votes by 59 and 76 residents against the plan.
More than 2,300 Alexandrians have voted early in the special election. Tomorrow is the last day to vote early in person — polls are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 132 N. Royal St. Election Day is Tuesday.
Mayor: Sidewalks remain top complaint as cold slows snow melt. The city is sending inspectors to issue warnings on private sidewalks as crews continue cleanup from the Jan. 25 ice storm.
Crane work to close northbound lanes on S. Washington Street Saturday. The 200 block between Duke and Prince streets will be closed from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Traffic will detour to Saint Asaph or South Columbus streets.
Three community groups seek nearly $30,000 in city matching funds for park improvements. A community garden, a Little League scoreboard and a teen-led skatepark renovation are up for review at a Feb. 19 public hearing at Charles Houston Recreation Center.
Alexandria police open enrollment for free spring community academy. The nine-week program gives residents and workers a behind-the-scenes look at how officers are trained and how crises are handled.
Chamber ALX announces panel for 2026 Women’s Leadership Forum. Leaders from SHRM, Virginia Tech, the Alexandria Police Department, and more will headline the March 13 event at The Westin.
This weekend
Weekend guide: What’s happening in Alexandria Feb. 6-8. Restaurant Week wraps up Sunday, the Old Town Warehouse Sale runs Saturday and Sunday, and it’s Super Bowl Sunday.