The Alexandria Brief: Wednesday, January 7
Planning Commission approves stricter green building requirements for new development
Good morning, Alexandria.
On this day in 2000, a time capsule was buried at the soon-to-be-opened Beatley Library as part of Alexandria’s 250th anniversary celebration. A stone excavated from the Alexandria Canal Tide Lock site and carved by master mason Raymond Cannetti marks the burial site. The capsule is to be opened in 2099.
The Planning Commission unanimously approved a comprehensive Green Building Plan Tuesday night, toughening the original proposal to require lower energy-use intensity targets for multifamily buildings and higher on-site renewable energy requirements for developers. The Board of Architectural Review meets tonight to consider the Old Town Pool redevelopment, and two city leaders are stepping into prominent regional roles this year.
Here’s what you need to know today.
1️⃣ Alexandria Planning Commission approves comprehensive Green Building Plan
The Alexandria Planning Commission unanimously approved a comprehensive Green Building Plan on Tuesday that establishes stricter energy-efficiency requirements for new construction and significantly strengthens renewable-energy mandates for developers.
The commission voted 7-0 to recommend the master plan amendment to the City Council after making several modifications that toughened the original proposal from city staff. The changes include lowering the energy-use intensity target for multifamily buildings from 38 to 30, increasing the on-site renewable energy requirement from 3% to 5%, and eliminating the proposed Clean Energy Fund, which would have allowed developers to pay up to $150,000 instead of installing solar panels.
2️⃣ Board of Architectural Review to consider Old Town Pool redevelopment
The Board of Architectural Review will hold a concept review tonight for a city proposal to demolish and rebuild the Old Town Pool at 1609 Cameron St.
The project calls for complete demolition of the existing pool, bathhouse, and equipment building — constructed in the mid-1970s — and replacement with a new pool and one-story bathhouse. Archaeological records show a community pool has occupied the site since the 1920s.
3️⃣ Alexandria leaders step into regional roles, Van Dorn study nears finish line
Vice Mayor Sarah Bagley is expected to be elected chair of the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission on Thursday, while Mayor Alyia Gaskins will serve as vice chair of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments in 2026 — giving Alexandria an outsized voice in regional transit and planning decisions.
Also this week: VDOT will present recommended improvements for South Van Dorn Street at an open house Jan. 14 at Edison High School, wrapping up a yearlong study of the West End corridor. Three community workshops are scheduled for the Duke Street Land Use Plan, Jan. 20-22. The National Park Service is preparing an environmental assessment for safety upgrades to the Mount Vernon Trail in Old Town North, near the former Potomac River Generating Station site.
4️⃣ Alexandria Democratic Committee elects new leadership
Jon DeNunzio was elected chair of the Alexandria Democratic Committee at the organization’s reorganization meeting Monday night, succeeding outgoing chair Sandy Marks.
Eva Hartman will serve as vice chair for finance and administration, Nigel Mease was elected secretary and Chalin Smith will serve as treasurer. The committee also filled vice chair positions overseeing precinct operations, communications, data and membership, community outreach, resolutions, volunteer coordination and other functions.
5️⃣ What’s happening today in Alexandria
It will be mostly sunny today, with a high near 59 degrees. Southwest wind 5 to 11 mph becoming northwest in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 21 mph. Mostly clear tonight, with a low around 36 degrees. Northwest wind around 6 mph, becoming calm in the evening.
The sun will rise at 7:26 a.m. and set at 5:02 p.m. There will be 9 hours and 35 minutes of sun.
Events & Things To Do
10:30 a.m.: Stitcher’s Space at Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
10:30 a.m.: 1s and 2s Time at Beatley Central Library
11 a.m.: Just Babies at Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
11:30 a.m.: 1s and 2s Time at Beatley Central Library
12 p.m.: Ice & Lights - Daytime Ice Skating at Cameron Run
2 p.m.: Film Series — “Hamilton” at Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
4 p.m.: Crafts and Cocoa: Crochet at James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library
5:30 p.m.: English Language Learning Conversation Workshop at Beatley Central Library
6 p.m.: Period Products 101 at Ms. Moxie’s Moon Shop, 102 N. Fayette St.
6 p.m.: Knit Nite! at Beatley Central Library (ages 8-18)
7 p.m.: Monthly Meditation (virtual via Zoom)
7 p.m.: Murphy’s Run Club at Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub
Live Music & Entertainment
219 Restaurant: Bill Pappas Project at 9 p.m.
Aslin Beer Co.: Puzzle Buzz at 7 p.m.
Atlas Brew Works: Bingo at 7 p.m.
Hops N Shine: Trivia at 6:30 p.m.
Laporta’s Restaurant: Pete Chauvette at 6 p.m.
Lost Boy Cider: Line Dancing at 6:30 p.m.
Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub: Kenny Kohlhaas at 8:30 p.m.
O’Shaughnessy’s Pub: Karaoke at 9 p.m.
Port City Brewing Company: Bluegrass Jam Session at 7 p.m.
Rock It Grill: Karaoke at 9:30 p.m.
The Light Horse: Trivia at 7 p.m.
City of Alexandria
City Government: Open
Flag Status: Full Staff
Trash, Recycling, & Yard Waste Collection: On Time
6 a.m.: Chinquapin Open
6 p.m.: Minnie Howard Open
7 p.m.: Housing Affordability Advisory Committee (virtual)
ACPS
4:30 p.m.: Basketball: Girls Freshman Game vs. St. John’s College at Alexandria City High School
6 p.m.: Basketball: Girls JV Game vs. St. John’s College at Alexandria City High School
📰 Extra Extra!
Yesterday was the city staff’s last day in City Hall ahead of the City Hall and Market Square renovation. Read more about the renovation and where you can find the City services you rely on at alexandriava.gov/CityHall. (City of Alexandria)
January is a month of reflection, recognition, and action, marked by several national observances that highlight public safety, victim advocacy, prevention, and service to others. Together, these observances offer opportunities for the Alexandria community to show support, raise awareness, and strengthen partnerships that help keep our city safe. (City of Alexandria)
The Alexandria Police Department this week celebrated Officer Bennie Evans on his retirement after 28 years of service. Known for his compassion and commitment to others, Evans regularly cooked holiday meals for fellow officers and was often the first call when someone experiencing homelessness needed support. (Alexandria Police Department)
Look for a familiar crosswalk in promotions for Queer Eye‘s final season. “We were proud to welcome the Queer Eye team and serve as their production headquarters last summer, in partnership with Alexandriaecon,” Visit Alexandria shares on Facebook. “Tune in on January 21 to watch the final season unfold.”
Julie Balutis, of Alexandria, has been named the U.S. Government’s new Managing Director of Library Services & Content Management. (GPO)