The Alexandria Brief: Tuesday, January 27
City digs out as closures extend; Beyer calls Minneapolis killings 'murder'; council meets virtually tonight
Good morning, Alexandria. It’s a snow day across the city — schools are closed, city facilities are shut down, and tonight’s council meeting has gone virtual.
The good news? After two straight Tuesdays of firehouse primaries, at least you don’t have to trek out to vote in this weather. When you’re ready to think about the Feb. 10 special election, we’ve got details on candidate forums below.
Here's what you need to know today. Stay warm.
1️⃣ Snow Day
If you’re reading this, you probably already know: Alexandria is still digging out. City facilities, museums, and recreation centers remain closed on Tuesday, and Alexandria City Public Schools will be closed for the first time this year. City Council will meet virtually at 7 p.m.
Trash and recycling collection was suspended Monday and Tuesday, with pickups sliding two days for the rest of the week. Limited transit is back, with DASH running reduced weekend service from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Metrorail on a weekend schedule starting at 6 a.m. The winter shelter at 2355-A Mill Road is open around the clock until 7 a.m. Wednesday.
Bundle up if you’re heading out. A cold weather advisory remains in effect until 11 a.m., with wind chills as low as 8 below zero. A second advisory kicks in at 7 p.m. and runs through Wednesday morning. Expect a high near 27 today and a low around 8 tonight. The National Weather Service says we’re stuck in this arctic air mass through the week, and forecasters are watching the possibility of more snow Saturday night into Sunday.
Read more:
Winter storm dumps 7 inches on Alexandria; city facilities closed through Tuesday
Alexandria schools closed again Tuesday due to cold, road conditions
On the Docket: A weekly preview of city and school board meetings (January 26–31)
2️⃣ Beyer calls for impeachment
Rep. Don Beyer isn’t mincing words. In a video message to constituents Monday, the Alexandria-area Democrat called the fatal shootings of two Americans by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis “murder” — and demanded Congress impeach Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
Beyer’s message came two days after bystander video captured Border Patrol agents killing 37-year-old ICU nurse Alex Pretti on a Minneapolis street. Videos reviewed by multiple news organizations appear to contradict federal claims that Pretti approached officers with a handgun and attacked them. Minneapolis police confirmed he was a lawful gun owner with a state carry permit and no criminal record. On Jan. 7, ICE agent Jonathan Ross fatally shot 37-year-old mother Renée Good while she was in her vehicle. Beyer accused Noem of obstructing local investigations into both deaths and called for federal agents to withdraw from Minneapolis. He joins more than 120 House Democrats who have signed onto an impeachment resolution against Noem. “DHS cannot be allowed to investigate itself,” Beyer said. “That’s how it’s done in dictatorships, not in America.”
Read more - Beyer calls Minneapolis killings ‘murder,’ demands Noem impeachment
3️⃣ Zoning lawsuit heads to appeal
The Coalition for a Livable Alexandria needs to raise $28,000 by Feb. 27 to keep its challenge to the city’s zoning reforms alive. The group announced Monday it had negotiated a flat fee with its law firm to appeal a judge’s dismissal of its lawsuit against the Zoning for Housing initiative, which allows duplexes and buildings with up to four units on properties previously restricted to single-family homes.
Judge H. Thomas Padrick Jr. ruled in the city’s favor in November, granting summary judgment. Since the initiative was approved in 2023, the city has greenlit 96 accessory dwelling units and about 35 additional units under other provisions — but just six units under the single-family zoning reform at the heart of the lawsuit. Mayor Alyia Gaskins told Rosemont residents last week that the litigation has slowed the policy’s rollout. “A lot of people who might have taken advantage of the policy actually didn’t move … on maybe potential projects or things that they might have considered,” she said. The coalition says it has spent $252,000 on legal fees over nearly two years.
Read more - Coalition seeks $28,000 to fund zoning lawsuit appeal
4️⃣ Walkability as public health
George Mason University researchers and the Alexandria Parks and Recreation Department are teaming up to redesign a section of Ben Brenman Park — and the project is getting attention as a model for how cities can use walkability to improve public health.
The collaboration grew out of the Virginia Walkability Action Institute, a state program that trains participants in pedestrian-friendly planning. Assistant professor Iulia Fratila secured $9,000 in grant funding to enhance an underutilized trail segment on the park’s south side, then partnered with a GMU social work student and city staff to shape the project around resident input. More than 400 Alexandrians responded to a community survey, identifying priorities including native trees and plants and adult fitness equipment. The state program has since designated the project an official case study. “Walkability is public health,” Fratila told GMU News. “Imagine living in a place where you can comfortably send your child and their friends on a safe route to your local library on foot or by bike.” Park enhancements are expected to be completed in early 2026.
Read more - GMU-Alexandria partnership aims to turn walkability into public health strategy
5️⃣ Council goes virtual tonight
City Council meets virtually tonight at 7 p.m., a snow-related change from the Del Pepper Community Resource Center, with a packed agenda that includes a regional push to boost Metro funding by $460 million annually. Vice Mayor Sarah Bagley said the meeting will include an update from City Manager Jim Parajon on the city’s storm preparation and ongoing response.
Council will consider endorsing DMVMoves, a regional transportation plan already backed by Arlington, Fairfax, and Loudoun counties and several regional transportation authorities. A separate item calls for modifications to the WMATA funding agreement for the Potomac Yard Metrorail Station. Council will also hold a work session on the Housing 2040 Plan, an update to the city’s 2013 Housing Master Plan that addresses affordability, aging condo buildings, senior housing needs, and racial inequities in homeownership. Staff is seeking feedback on draft principles before a public hearing this spring. The meeting opens with a proclamation recognizing February as Black History Month.
Read more - Alexandria City Council to consider regional transit plan, Potomac Yard Metro funding Tuesday
🗓️ Today in Alexandria
Increasing clouds today, with a high near 27 degrees. Wind chill values as low as -4. Calm wind becoming southwest 5 to 8 mph in the morning. Mostly cloudy tonight, then gradually becoming mostly clear, with a low around 8 degrees. Wind chill values as low as -1. West wind 3 to 6 mph.
Sunrise at 7:17 a.m., sunset at 5:23 p.m. There will be 10 hours & 6 minutes of sun.
Events & Things To Do
All Day: Alexandria Winter Restaurant Week throughout Alexandria
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: Scott Kurt 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
Government: Closed | Flag: Full Staff | Trash & Waste Collection: 2-day delay
All day: City Government Facilities and Courts Closed (closed)
All day: All City Museums Closed (closed)
9 a.m.: CYFCC Ad Hoc Meeting with ACHS Staff (virtual)
7 p.m.: City Council Legislative Meeting (virtual)
7 p.m.: Personal Finance and Career Building Workshops on Zoom (virtual)
Alexandria City Public Schools
All day: No school for students
6 p.m.: Virtual Public Hearing - FY 27 Combined Funds Budget at School Board Meeting Room (virtual)
6:05 p.m.: Virtual School Board Work Session - CF Work Session #1 at School Board Meeting Room (virtual)
Find the ACHS sports calendar here.
Alexandria Library
Closed due to inclement weather.
📰 Extra! Extra!
Road conditions: As of 7 p.m. Monday, all primary roads are passable, but most residential streets remain snow-covered. Secondary roads are 74% passable, while intermediate and residential roads are almost entirely snow-covered — just 3% of residential roads have been cleared. The city is asking residents to avoid travel as crews continue clearing operations. Check alexandriava.gov/snowreport for updates.
Candidate forum: The League of Women Voters of Arlington and Alexandria is hosting a virtual candidate forum Sunday, Feb. 1. Senate District 39 candidates Elizabeth Bennett-Parker (D) and Julie Robben Lineberry (R) will face off at 1:30 p.m., followed by House District 5 candidates Kirk McPike (D) and Mason Butler (R) at 2:45 p.m. Sign up at the League’s website.
Water main break: One westbound lane has reopened in the 4600 block of Duke Street following a water main break that closed the road overnight. Expect delays.
Gun bills advance: A Senate panel advanced two bills sponsored by Sen. Adam Ebbin, D-Alexandria, on Monday. One would expand Virginia’s ban on carrying certain semi-automatic firearms in public places — Ebbin said it was inspired by people openly carrying assault-style weapons at the Old Town Farmers Market. The other targets ghost guns and unserialized firearms. Both passed on party-line votes and head to the Senate Finance Committee. Read more at Virginia Mercury.
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