Civil War Christmas at Fort Ward
Learn how Christmas was observed during the Civil War at Fort Ward Museum’s annual Civil War Christmas in Camp program on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023, from 12-4 p.m. This family-oriented event features a patriotic Civil War Santa Claus, reenactors in winter camp settings, and period decorations. The suggested donation is $2 per person, and $5 for families.
The program features a Civil War-era Union Santa Claus, based on an 1863 cover of Harper’s Weekly by artist Thomas Nast, who will interact with the public, welcome children to the reconstructed Officers’ Hut, and visit soldiers in camp. Reenactors will interpret army life in winter camps that are decorated for the season, and celebrate by opening Christmas boxes from home, singing carols of the period around the campfire, and preparing holiday meals. The Museum will be decorated with festive greenery and a Victorian parlor tree. Children can make a holiday card or ornament. A variety of Civil War books and stocking stuffers are available in the Museum shop. Fort Ward is the best preserved of the Union forts in the extensive system known as the Defenses of Washington. The Museum offers exhibits and public programs throughout the year. Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site is located at 4301 West Braddock Road in the City of Alexandria. For more information about this program, call 703-746-4848, or visit alexandria.gov/FortWard.
Still AAA
S&P Global Ratings and Moody’s Investors Service have reaffirmed the City of Alexandria’s top bond ratings of ‘AAA’ and ‘aaa,’ respectively, helping the City achieve competitive, low interest rates.
“We are very proud that once again the City has been recognized for its economic development initiatives, extensive focus on environmental and social risks, and strong policies that govern our financial operations," said Mayor Justin Wilson. "Both ratings agencies acknowledged the City’s efforts beyond our strong financial condition, including affordable housing initiatives and environmental protections.”
In its credit highlights, S&P Global cited Alexandria’s “robust economic growth, including new developments around a recently opened metro station alongside residential and commercial growth across four key growth areas in the City.” Moody’s credit analysis mentioned “ample reserves and liquidity, supported by adherence to comprehensive fiscal policies” as one of the City’s credit strengths. Both opinions noted the City’s efforts to increase the availability of affordable housing.
The City of Alexandria has maintained the highest grades from both major bond rating agencies since 1992, which allows the City to pay low interest rates on bonds issued to fund major projects. Later this year, the City will issue $258 million of tax-exempt general obligation bonds to fund capital improvement projects. Significant projects include the Minnie Howard Redevelopment Project, the newly constructed Douglas MacArthur Elementary School, and infrastructure improvements for the redevelopment of West End, previously Landmark Mall.
S&P Global Ratings rated the City’s general obligation bonds “above the sovereign,” because “the city can maintain better credit characteristics than the U.S. [government] in a stress scenario.”
City to Host Stormwater Cleanup Day
The public in encouraged to help with a stream clean up event at Historic Holmes Run on Saturday, Dec. 2 from 9 to 11 a.m.
Participants will meet at the Charles Beatley Library parking lot at 5005 Duke Street for a sign-in and event briefing before walking to Holmes Run.
The cleanup event is held in recognition of the first annual National Stormwater Day that was on Nov. 16. Established by the National Municipal Stormwater Alliance (NMSA), National Stormwater Day is an opportunity to recognize and raise awareness of stormwater management practices and programs.
The City will provide gloves, bags, and first aid kits during the event. Participants are encouraged to dress appropriately, in long pants and covered footwear, and to bring water.
To register for the event or request more information, contact nolan.compton@alexandriava.gov.
Help protect water resources by picking up after your pet, reducing or eliminating fertilizer use, and using the Alex311 reporting system to notify the City if you notice anything suspicious in local waterways. Learn more about what you can do by visiting the City's website at alexandriava.gov/go/3120.
APD Assists Fairfax County Police Arrest Suspect Driving Stolen Vehicle
On Friday, Nov. 17 the Alexandria Police Department was alerted by Fairfax County Police that a man suspected of driving a stolen vehicle was entering the City of Alexandria. APD officers assisted Fairfax Police in apprehending the adult male outside of William Ramsay Elementary School at 5700 Sanger Avenue.
While there was no threat to students and faculty, the school was placed on a temporary “secure the building” status while the investigation concluded outside. There was a moderate police presence outside the school.
The lead agency for this incident is the Fairfax County Police Department. If you have any information about this incident please call our non-emergency number at (703) 746-4444. Tips and information can be provided anonymously.
Discounted Independent Living Apartments Preleasing
Pre-leasing has begun for nine discounted one-bedroom rental units available for one and two-person income-eligible households at the Alate Old Town, a new 133-unit age-restricted (62+) independent living community located at 1112 First Street in the Braddock Metro neighborhood. Move-ins are anticipated to begin in March and extend through April 2024. The discounted units are being provided though the City’s Affordable Rental Set-Aside Program.
For information on the community’s amenities and services, rents and fees, and income qualification requirements, please visit: alexandriava.gov/housing-services/renter-resources#DiscountedIndependentLivingUnitsPreLeasingatAlateOldTown
To tour the units when the community opens and to apply, please contact Zainab Kabba at zkabba@seniorlifestyle.com/571-408-0772, or Jessica Culotta at jculotta@seniorlifestyle.com/804-695-4499.
Affordable Rental Units Available at the Meridian 2250
The Meridian 2250 at Eisenhower Station, a new apartment community located at 2250 Dock Lane, Alexandria, VA 22314, will be providing 15 new apartments under the City’s Affordable Rental Set-Aside Program. Apartments are anticipated to be delivered between January and late Spring 2024.
Seven committed affordable apartments will be delivered as part of the first phase. Two studio apartments will be offered at $1,470 (one of the studios features a separate sleeping area); four 1-bedroom apartments will be offered at $1,544/month (two of the 1-bedrooms have a sunroom); and one 2-bedroom apartment will be offered at $1,844/month. Residents are responsible for utilities, including metered water, sewer and electric. Units feature in-unit washer/dryers and programmable thermostats; additional amenities can be viewed on the property’s website.
One of the 1-bedroom apartments with a sunroom is an accessible unit. This unit features lower kitchen countertops; an accessible refrigerator, microwave and range/cooktop; grab bars in the bathroom; and a side-by-side washer and dryer.
The application fee is $50/applicant. No security deposit is required unless a guarantor is needed to meet the income requirements. There is a non-refundable move-in fee, $237 for studios; $254 for 1-bedroom apartments; and $305 for 2-bedroom apartments. Parking fees are $25/month for one car, and $75/month for a second car. Separate pet and storage fees apply.
To qualify for a unit, an applicant’s total household income may not exceed:
• One Person $63,300
• Two People $72,360
• Three People $81,420
• Four People $90,420
Minimum income limits will also apply.
Application process:
Application requests will be accepted electronically by the property starting December 18. Application instructions will be sent via eNews and posted on the Office of Housing’s website, under Current Availability, on December 15. When signing up for eNews, please make sure to select the “Affordable Housing” news option to receive updates from the Office of Housing.
For assistance requesting an application or for general information, please contact Anelva Corcos-Beltran or Mayra Jordan at the Office of Housing at 703.746.4990/text 703.405.7100.