Alexandria News Briefs

Silas Baker's Concept Art for New Mural

 

New Mural Coming to Torpedo Factory Art Center Loading Dock

The Alexandria Public Art Program is pleased to announce that it has commissioned Virginia-based artist Silas Baker to design and execute a mural on the exterior door of the Torpedo Factory Art Center loading dock. Silas was selected by the project Task Force and approved by the Alexandria Commission for the Arts after a competitive process that was open to all artists living in Virginia, Maryland and Washington D.C.

Silas’ approved concept includes abstract design elements interwoven with American Dogwood flowers in a vibrant and colorful composition.

The new mural, located on the Union Street frontage of the Torpedo Factory Art Center, was previously the location of a mural entitled Beaded Curtain by artist, Erin Curtis. After the previous mural was deinstalled in 2021 due to irreparable damage, the City committed to commission a new mural at this location to bring back artistic vibrancy to the Union Street frontage of the building. alexandriava.gov/PublicArt 

Safety Improvements on Three Key Corridors

The City of Alexandria’s Traffic & Parking Board will consider recommended improvements to three key corridors at the July 22 Public Hearing. 

For each corridor – South Pickett Street, Eisenhower Avenue, and Holland Lane – the City assessed existing conditions, analyzed traffic patterns, gathered community input, developed design options, and solicited community feedback on those designs. The recommendations that will be presented at the July 22 public hearing align with the Alexandria Mobility Plan and Vision Zero Action Plan efforts to provide safer travel along these corridors. 

The recommendations were developed to address documented issues and community concerns regarding roadway safety and traffic congestion by reducing speeds, improving visibility, creating dedicated crossings and spaces for people walking and biking, and reducing risk and exposure for all roadway users, while ensuring minimal delay for people driving.  

Learn more about each project:  

• South Pickett Street Corridor Improvements 

• Eisenhower Avenue Transportation Study 

• Holland Lane Corridor Improvements 

Annual Centenarian Day Recognition

The City of Alexandria, in collaboration with the City’s Successful Aging Committee, will celebrate National Centenarian Day on Sept. 10 at 5 p.m. in the Vola Lawson Lobby of City Hall (301 King St.).  

The city will celebrate Alexandria residents who have lived a century or longer. To be eligible, individuals must be 100 years or older by Dec. 31, 2024. Alexandria centenarians who choose to participate in the presentation will receive a certificate honoring their lifetime experiences and achievements. To participate or submit a nomination, complete an application and social history form by Aug. 13. alexandriava.gov/Aging  

July Is Disability Pride Month

The City of Alexandria recognizes Disability Pride Month in July in honor of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), enacted on July 26, 1990. It was through this legislation that discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life — including jobs, schools, and transportation— was prohibited.  

This groundbreaking civil rights law was instrumental in advancing the rights and opportunities of people with disabilities. This month and beyond, the City acknowledges and honors the achievements and experiences of people with disabilities within our community. 

“During this commemoration period, we recommit ourselves to the work that still needs to be done to ensure everyone has full access to our City services and initiatives,” said Mayor Justin Wilson.  

The Office of Human Rights collaborates with the Alexandria Commission on Persons with Disabilities, a volunteer body that advises City leadership on policies, programs and legislation affecting Alexandria residents with disabilities. 

Additionally, the City provides several therapeutic recreation programs and services for adults and children with disabilities. These include transportation services through the DOT Paratransit Program; summer camps; and youth, teen, and adult programs. We also provide Older Adult Services for those with disabilities and services for adults and children with developmental disabilities. 

Scam Alert

U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia has received reports of individuals spoofing the main phone number to the office, and using the names of EDVA attorneys or government titles with the office name, in an attempt to defraud individuals. If you receive a suspicious phone call from someone who says they are calling from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, follow the instructions here.