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The Alexandria Brief: Thursday, Feb. 19

Mayor addresses Braddock Road debate as BPAC reports that three candidates have reversed their support; School Board votes on budget tonight; firehouse primary is Saturday

Ryan Belmore

— 8 min read
The Alexandria Brief: Thursday, Feb. 19

Good morning, Alexandria. Today is Thursday, February 19 — the 50th day of 2026, with 315 days left in the year.

Del. Kirk McPike was sworn in yesterday in Richmond. “Let’s get to work,” he posted on social media. Elizabeth Bennett-Parker will be sworn in as senator today, completing the transition from recent special elections — and setting up the race to fill the council seat McPike left behind. The firehouse primary is Saturday.

The Braddock Road bike lane debate took a turn last night: three of five council candidates — Cesar Madison Tapia, Charles Sumpter, and Roberto Gomez — withdrew their support for the project at a Federation of Civic Associations forum, according to BPAC. Sandy Marks and Tim Laderach affirmed their support. All five had previously backed the project in written questionnaires. The Traffic and Parking Board hearing is on Monday at 7 p.m.

Mayor Alyia Gaskins pushed back on claims of unified opposition or support, saying she’s heard from residents on all sides. And the School Board votes on its $406.5 million budget tonight — with the Latin program likely saved but a healthcare cost shift to employees staying in place.

Here’s what you need to know today.

1️⃣ Gaskins addresses Braddock Road controversy as public hearing nears

Opposition signs on Braddock Road (Ryan Belmore/The Alexandria Brief)

Mayor Alyia Gaskins addressed the growing controversy over Braddock Road bike lanes in a video update on Wednesday, pushing back on claims that the community is unified in opposition or support. “Anytime someone tells you that everyone is for something or everyone is against something, they’re probably wrong,” Gaskins said.

Gaskins said Braddock Road has been one of two topics dominating her inbox this week, along with the Potomac River sewage spill. She’s received emails from supporters — including “a family who’s lived on Braddock Road for 20 years and bikes to and from for most of their daily trips,” opponents “concerned about parking and access to their homes,” and residents who “just want to learn more.”

The Traffic and Parking Board — not City Council — will vote on the project at a public hearing Monday at 7 p.m. at the Del Pepper Community Resource Center and via Zoom. The city is recommending protected bike lanes along the corridor between Russell Road and West Street. Public comments can be submitted by email by 3 p.m. Sunday.

Read more: Mayor pushes back on claims of unified opposition or support for Braddock Road bike lanes

2️⃣ School Board votes on $406.5 million budget tonight

The Alexandria City School Board will formally adopt its FY 2027 budget this evening, following Tuesday’s work session, where members signaled support for restoring a Latin teaching position while leaving a healthcare cost shift to employees in place. The meeting begins at 6 p.m. at 1340 Braddock Place.

The $406.5 million budget requests a 3.5% increase in city funding — more than double the 1.5% guidance from the city manager. Key items: the Latin program will be preserved with one itinerant teacher serving both middle schools; staff will pay a larger share of healthcare premiums (moving from 80/20 to 75/25 for licensed staff); and the Chinese program will shift to a hybrid model with one teacher covering both schools.

Thursday’s vote doesn’t end the budget process. City Manager Jim Parajon will present his proposed city budget on Tuesday. If the city doesn’t fund the full 3.5% request, the School Board will return in May to make additional cuts. “We are going to have to make really hard decisions around reducing our expenditures,” Superintendent Melanie Kay-Wyatt warned.

Read more: ACPS School Board to vote on FY 2027 budget Thursday

3️⃣ Firehouse primary is Saturday — two more candidates make their case

The Alexandria Brief and Liberally Social Podcast wrapped up candidate interviews on Wednesday with Charles Sumpter and Cesar Madison Tapia, two Democrats competing in Saturday’s firehouse primary.

Sumpter, who would be the first Black gay member of the City Council if elected, emphasized housing affordability and workforce pathways. “Alexandria has increasingly just become too unaffordable for regular people,” he said. He proposed a “Climate Corps” — a paid training program to help businesses and communities with resilience — and said his lived experience growing up in the South Bronx shapes his view that government should serve as a safety net.

Tapia said he’s running to give young people a voice. A former undocumented immigrant who came to the U.S. at age 4, he’s now an Army veteran and teacher. “I’m Donald Trump’s worst nightmare,” he said. He’s the only candidate to call for abolishing ICE: “To me, this is personal. This isn’t politics.”

The firehouse primary is Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Beatley Library and Chick Armstrong Recreation Center. Online voting is available for those who registered by Friday. So far, the winner faces former Councilman Frank Fannon in the April 21 special election.

Read more: A conversation with Charles Sumpter | A conversation with Cesar Madison Tapia

📰 In brief

Apartment fire at 6060 Tower Court early this morning. Alexandria Fire crews extinguished the fire, and all residents have been evacuated. No injuries have been reported. The cause has not yet been determined. Alexandria Fire Department

Three council candidates withdraw support for Braddock Road bike lanes at forum. Cesar Madison Tapia, Charles Sumpter, and Roberto Gomez reversed their positions at Wednesday’s Federation of Civic Associations candidate forum, according to BPAC. Sandy Marks and Tim Laderach affirmed their support for the project. All five had previously indicated support in written questionnaire responses. The Alexandria Brief

Whiskey & Oyster to close Feb. 28, ending five-year run. The seafood and spirits spot at 301 John Carlyle St. will permanently close as the lease comes up for renewal. Owner Mike "Mango" Anderson said HomeGrown Restaurant Group has operated 15 restaurants in Alexandria since 1979. Gift certificates can be redeemed at Sweet Fire Donna's or Tequila & Taco. The Alexandria Brief

Alexandria man among three sentenced in airbag theft ring. Adisorn Damrongchai, 47, was sentenced to two years and nine months in federal prison for his role in a conspiracy that stole hundreds of airbags from vehicles across Northern Virginia. Co-conspirators received sentences of three years and six months, respectively. The scheme spanned more than two years. The Alexandria Brief

Alexandria lands $2.17 million in federal funds for school crossing safety upgrades. The National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board approved a grant for pedestrian safety improvements near George Washington Middle School and Charles Barrett Elementary School, including curb extensions, high-visibility crosswalks, and the removal of a slip lane. The Alexandria Brief

Chamber ALX’s Chair’s Reception returns Feb. 27 at Aslin Beer Co. The annual event honors incoming board chair Bob Brant and features dueling pianos, a live auction, and an open bar. Dress code: jeans and band T-shirts. Tickets are $150 for members, $175 for prospective members. The Alexandria Brief

Wells Fargo announces $500,000 grant to Alexandria nonprofit at branch reopening. The grant will support the Society for Financial Education and Professional Development, which has provided financial education to more than 700,000 Americans and is active at 46 HBCUs. Councilwoman Jacinte Greene and Councilman Canek Aguirre attended the N. Washington Street event. The Alexandria Brief

State board seats open to Virginia residents amid new administration. With terms expiring and a new governor in office, residents can apply for positions on more than 300 state boards and commissions. Local-connected openings include the Alexandria Historical Restoration and Preservation Commission, Board of Visitors to Mount Vernon, and Potomac River Fisheries Commission. The Alexandria Brief

ACHS gymnastics: A team built from the ground up. The team finished its season with 10 members after rebuilding from just three underclassmen. Challenges include the absence of an on-campus practice facility—gymnasts travel 30 minutes to Thomas Jefferson—and limited transportation. “You could come, not being able to do a forward roll, and you could learn,” said sophomore Kaia Brown. “It’s low pressure. It’s approachable.” Theogony

On this day in 1885. A fatal train crash occurred at Four Mile Station when two trains collided near the Alexandria canal. A Virginia Midland passenger train traveling north and a southbound Baltimore & Potomac train crashed around 10 p.m., resulting in the deaths of at least seven people. Historic Alexandria

Today in Alexandria

Weather: Rain, mainly after 2 p.m. Patchy dense fog before noon. High near 48 degrees. Calm wind becoming east 5 to 9 mph in the morning. The chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and a quarter of an inch are possible.

Rain tonight. Low around 41 degrees. East wind 5 to 9 mph. The chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and a quarter of an inch are possible.

Sun, Moon, & Tide: Sunrise at 6:53 a.m. | Sunset at 5:50 p.m. | 10 hours & 56 minutes of sun | High tides at 9:23 a.m. & 9:46 p.m. | Low tides at 3:40 a.m. & 4:05 p.m. | The lunar phase is a Waxing Crescent.

🗓️ Things To Do

🎶 Entertainment

🏛️ City & Schools

Government & Schools: Open | Flag: Full Staff | Trash, Recycling, & Waste Collection: 1-Day Delay

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