The Alexandria Brief: Tuesday, January 6
Planning Commission takes up Duke Street, green building standards tonight
Good morning, Alexandria.
Duke Street’s future and the city’s green building ambitions are on the docket tonight as the Planning Commission holds back-to-back sessions. Meanwhile, ACPS revisits its facility-naming process after last month’s dispute.
On this day in 1873, Alexandria opened a temporary smallpox hospital on South Washington Street amid an epidemic sweeping the city.
Here’s what you need to know today.
1️⃣ Planning Commission to discuss Duke Street, Green Building Plan tonight
The Planning Commission holds a work session tonight at 6 p.m. on the draft Duke Street Land Use Plan — the long-awaited framework for one of the city’s most auto-oriented corridors. No public testimony at the work session, but it’s open to attend.
Following the work session is a Planning Commission hearing at 7 p.m., which includes two significant policy items. The Green Building Plan would become a new chapter of the city’s Master Plan, setting standards for sustainable development.
A zoning text amendment on office-to-residential conversions would make it easier to convert aging office buildings to housing. The commission will also hear a specific conversion project at 732 North Washington Street in Old Town North, which seeks a height increase to 55 feet and rezoning.
2️⃣ ACPS Operational Excellence Committee to meet tonight, School Board on Thursday
The ACPS Operational Excellence Committee meets tonight at 6:30 p.m. to discuss next steps on facility renaming procedures. This follows last month’s unanimous vote to name four facilities. The committee will work on standardizing the process, including how philanthropic support factors in.
The Alexandria City School Board will hold its first meeting of 2026 on Thursday evening, with updated committee assignments for two board members and a federal funding application for local private schools among the agenda items.
3️⃣ Registration for Summer Camp opens soon
The city is gearing up for summer camps, with registration opening Feb. 18 for residents and Feb. 20 for non-residents.
The Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities will offer camps for children ages 2-17, featuring sports, outdoor exploration, creative arts, STEM challenges, performing arts, and weekly themes.
4️⃣ Free program offers a hands-on look at Alexandria Sheriff’s operations
Applications are now open for the Alexandria Sheriff’s Office Spring 2026 Community Academy, a free four-week program offering residents an inside look at local law enforcement operations.
The academy will meet on Saturday mornings from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on March 7, 14, 21, and 28 at the William G. Truesdale Adult Detention Center, 2003 Mill Road.
5️⃣ What’s happening today in Alexandria
Patchy fog this morning before 10 a.m. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 53 degrees. Calm wind becoming south 5 to 7 mph in the afternoon. It will be partly cloudy tonight, with a low around 45 degrees. Southwest wind around 7 mph.
The sun will rise at 7:26 a.m., and the sun will set at 5:01 p.m. There will be 9 hours and 34 minutes of sun.
Events
10 a.m.: English Language Learning 1 Workshop at Beatley Central Library
10 a.m.: Sunshine Readers outdoor book club at Barrett Branch Library
10:15 a.m.: Family Storytime - Martes de niños at Burke Branch Library
10:30 a.m.: Bilingual Storytime at Barrett Branch Library
11 a.m.: Baby and Toddler Time at Barrett Branch Library
12 p.m.: Ice & Lights - Daytime Ice Skating at Cameron Run
2 p.m.: Baby and Toddler Play Date at Burke Branch Library
4 p.m.: Crafts and Cocoa: Crochet at Duncan Branch Library
4:30 p.m.: Tuesday We Play at Beatley Central Library, ages 5-12
5 p.m.: Art Loft at Burke Branch Library, ages 11-17
5 p.m.: One-on-one computer help at Barrett Branch Library, by appointment
6:30 p.m.: In-Person Speed Dating (Age 25-40) at Hops N Shine
7 p.m.: Beer Yoga at Port City Brewing Company
Live Music & Entertainment
219 Restaurant: Justin Gillen Trio at 9 p.m.
Atlas Brew Works ALX: Trivia at 7 p.m.
Laporta’s Restaurant: Antonio James at 6 p.m.
Lena’s Wood-Fired Pizza & Tap: Jay Byrd at 6 p.m.
Lost Dog Cafe: Trivia at 7 p.m.
Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub: Trivia at 8 p.m.; Pete Baker at 8:30 p.m.
O’Shaughnessy’s Pub: Trivia at 9 p.m.
Rock It Grill: Karaoke at 9:30 p.m.
City of Alexandria
City Government: Open | Flag Status: Full Staff
Trash, Recycling, & Yard Waste Collection: On Time
6 a.m.: Chinquapin Open at Chinquapin Park
10 a.m.: CYFCC ad hoc meeting with City Council member at St. Elmo’s
6 p.m.: Minnie Howard Open at Minnie Howard
6 p.m.: Planning Commission work session at Redella S. “Del” Pepper Community Resource Center
7 p.m.: Planning Commission public hearing at Redella S. “Del” Pepper Community Resource Center
7 p.m.: Arts Commission Executive Committee meeting at Patrick Henry Recreation Center
7:30 p.m.: Public Records Advisory Commission in-person meeting
Schools
5 p.m.: Boys freshman basketball vs. Jackson-Reed at Alexandria City High School
6:30 p.m.: Boys JV basketball vs. Jackson-Reed at Alexandria City High School
6:30 p.m.: Operational Excellence Committee at School Board Meeting Room
📰 Extra Extra!
During media availability on Monday, Sen. Mark Warner sharply criticized the Trump administration’s military extraction of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, warning the operation sets a dangerous precedent for international law and may have more to do with oil than restoring democracy. (The Alexandria Brief)
Alexandria will hold a community meeting on the Clifford, Fulton, and Manning Storm Sewer Improvement Project on Wednesday, Jan. 14, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Mt. Vernon Recreation Center, 2701 Commonwealth Ave. (The Alexandria Brief)
Alexandria residents can now earn recognition for making eco-friendly choices at home through the city’s updated Eco-City Homes Recognition Program. (The Alexandria Brief)
Jon DeNunzio has been named chair of the Alexandria Democratic Committee. (Councilman Canek Aguirre on X)
Arielle Shoshana, a new perfumery, is opening in Old Town. (Fox 5 DC)
The City of Alexandria’s Workforce Development Center’s Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) is creating pathways for youth to grow, lead, and thrive. The 2025 SYEP Annual Report highlights the city’s progress and what’s ahead. (City of Alexandria)
Firefighters extinguished an electrical panel fire in the basement of a townhouse on Morgan Court, according to IAFF Local 2141. Engine 208 arrived first to find smoke coming from the basement. The fire had extension beyond the panel. (IAFF Local 2141/Facebook)