Tidal Flooding, School Safety: Top News Of 2021 In Alexandria
ALEXANDRIA, VA — While 2021 continued to be overshadowed by the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, there was a variety of news that interested Old Town Alexandria Patch readers.
Business news tends to be one of our popular topics. There were various openings in 2021, such as Barca Pier & Wine Bar, Goodie's Frozen Custard & Treats, Shop Made in Virginia and many more. We also said goodbye to local favorites such as Atlantis Pizzeria and Family Restaurant and Silver Parrot. There was big news on the Landmark Mall front as City Council approved redevelopment agreements. Progress is being made on the Carlyle Crossing development as apartments begin leasing and Wegmans is expected to open in 2022.
There were some notable stories focused on schools. One of the top stories involved safety incidents and school resource officers at Alexandria public schools. School resource officer funding had been removed by City Council and replaced with mental health positions. But safety incidents in and around schools in the fall — including the arrest of a student with a gun outside the high school — caused school officials and parents to express concerns. City Council returned school resource officers temporarily while an alternative school safety plan is developed. However, SROs at Alexandria City High School were recently put on leave as a complaint is investigated. Alexandria City Public Schools also made the name changes official at Alexandria City High School and Naomi L. Brooks Elementary School.
Flooding continues to be a topic of interest. Impacts of flooding continue to be seen, from flash flooding in Del Ray to historic tidal flooding on the waterfront. City Council approved the doubling of the stormwater utility fee to work on flood mitigation.
Lastly, there were various other stories drawing interest, from city government news to community happenings. A collective bargaining ordinance, community policing review board and pay increases for public safety personnel were approved. A plastic bag tax will begin on Jan. 1, 2022. Alexandria will say farewell to retiring Sheriff Dana Lawhorne, longtime Councilwoman Del Pepper, Vice Mayor Elizabeth Bennett-Parker (who will represent the 45th Virginia House District) and Councilman Mo Seifeldein. Next year, a City Council with three new members will be sworn in, and a new city manager will take over for retiring City Manager Mark Jinks.
To stay up to date on Old Town Alexandria news in 2022, subscribe to our free news alerts and morning newsletter. If you would like to share story ideas, send me an email at Emily.Leayman@patch.com.
Here are Old Town Alexandria's top stories of 2021:
Business
Hank & Mitzi's Closes For 'Foreseeable Future' In Alexandria
Alexandria Eatery Feeds National Guard During Inauguration Week
Landmark Redevelopment Agreements Approved By Alexandria Council
Atlantis Pizzeria And Family Restaurant To Close In Alexandria
Banana Republic, Gap Closing In Old Town, Retail Space Available
Turkish Coffee Lady Seeks To Open At Former Blüprint Chocolatiers
Emmy Squared Pizza To Open On Lower King Street In Alexandria
The Old Town Shop Marks 4 Years, Finds Success Amid Pandemic
Flooding
Flash Flooding Results From Heavy Rainfall In Alexandria: Photos
Tidal Flooding Moves Into Old Town Alexandria Streets: Photos
Stormwater Utility Fee Proposed To Double In Response To Flooding
Schools
Alexandria City High School Lockdown Lifted, Student In Custody
Temporary School Resource Officer Program To Return In Alexandria
School Board Approves New Names For T.C. Williams, Maury Schools
Sign Replaced At Renamed Naomi L. Brooks Elementary In Alexandria
Police and fire
Alexandria Protest Canceled Amid 'Credible Threats From Fascists'
VA Shopping Cart Serial Killer: 4 Victims Found, More Suspected
Gunshots Call In Alexandria Leads To Arrests, Death Amid Pursuit
1 Indicted For Alexandria Murder, 17 Indicted For Racketeering
Alexandria Man Sentenced For $18M Fraudulent Investment Scheme
Other community news
Alexandria Election Results: Mayor, City Council, School Board
2-Cent Real Estate Tax Reduction In Alexandria Approved Budget
Plastic Bag Tax Starts Jan. 1 In 3 Northern Virginia Localities
First Night Alexandria 2021 Activities Canceled, Fireworks On
Olympic Medalist Noah Lyles Speaks On Mental Health In Alexandria
Permanent King Street Block Closure Approved By City Council
Alexandria Police Lose Parking Enforcement Officer To COVID-19
Potomac River Generating Station Tours Draw High Interest: Photos
Resident Group Opposes Proposed Development In Southwest Old Town
Free Fares, Redesigned Bus Network Coming To DASH In Alexandria
Alexandria Named Third Best Small City By Condé Nast Traveler
This article originally appeared on the Old Town Alexandria Patch