News Briefs

Opening of North Potomac Yard Park

The public is invited to the opening of North Potomac Yard Park (3601 University Drive) on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, from 8 - 9 a.m. The dedication with Mayor Justin Wilson and members of City Council will be held rain or shine. The ribbon cutting will be on the North lawn, North arbor of the park, next to the playground. 

Fire in 15-Story Building

The Alexandria Fire Department responded to the scene of a two-alarm structure fire at a 15-story condominium at 6301 Stevenson Avenue at approximately 2:47 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 14.

According to a preliminary investigation, the cause of the fire was accidental. Two residents and three firefighters were transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. 

Red Cross is on scene to assist approximately 25 residents from 17 apartments affected by the fire. The investigation is ongoing.

Alexandria Environmental Policy Commission Meets Oct. 21

The Alexandria Environmental Policy Commission (EPC) will hold its next regular meeting on Monday, Oct. 21, at 7:30 p.m. The meeting will take place at City Hall Room 2000. Virtual attendance will also be available. 

The meeting agenda for its October meeting is available on the EPC website. 

Members of the public can attend the meeting virtually via the following Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/99538784735 

Public comment will be received at the beginning of the meeting.  

The 13-member Commission advises and makes recommendations to the City Council, Planning Commission, and City Manager on matters related to conservation and protection of the environment, including the Climate crisis, air pollution, land use, and water quality. 

Early Voting

All registered voters in Virginia are eligible to vote early in person or by mail. In-person early voting for this election continues until 5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 2. Voters are encouraged to review the sample ballot in advance. For sample ballots and full list of voting hours, visit alexandriava.gov/Elections. 

Ballot drop boxes will be available at all polling places on Nov. 5, from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. A secure outdoor drop box, under video surveillance, is available in front of the Office of Voter Registration and Elections 24 hours a day through Nov. 5 at 7 p.m. A mail-in ballot may be returned at a drop box or by mail. 

Applications to request a by-mail ballot must be received in the Voter Registration Office by 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25. Completed ballots must be either returned to the Office of Elections by 7 p.m. Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 5, or postmarked by Nov. 5 and received in the office by noon Friday, Nov. 8.

Visit alexandriava.gov/Elections to learn more, including sample ballots, mail-in ballot applications, in-person early voting hours, precinct maps and ID requirements. 

For more information, contact the Office of Voter Registration and Elections at voters@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.4050, Virginia Relay 711. 

Maker Faire NoVa Debuts at Alexandria City High School 

Inventors, entrepreneurs, educators and curious minds will gather on Sunday, Oct. 20, 10 a.m.-4 p.m to debut Maker Faire NoVa at Alexandria City High School (3330 King St.) and Chinquapin Park (3210 King St.). This event will occur rain or shine.

The City of Alexandria's Office of the Arts and Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities (RPCA) will partner with Nova Labs to co-produce Maker Faire NoVa in Alexandria. More than 100 makers will take over the high school and park grounds to share their knowledge through hands-on projects, demonstrations, workshops, and a speaker series in the areas of engineering, science, art, robotics, drones, biology, 3D printers, and more.

Featured activities include: Master of Ceremonies NBC4's Tommy McFly; Ribbon-cutting welcome to celebrate ALX275 at Maker Faire; Drone flying with Virginia Tech; Artists with Virginia Museum of Fine Arts; Hands-on activities with George Mason University and American University; History of Inventors with United States Patent and Trademark Office; Maker Educator Meetup for educators and librarians; Exhibitions featuring ALX275 Anniversary Grant Recipients

Tickets are now on sale online. Advance tickets are available through Monday, Oct. 14. General admission prices will apply beginning October 15. Family tickets, each one good for a group of five people entering the Faire together, are available. 

For reasonable disability accommodation, contact daniel.guzman@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.5419, Virginia Relay 711. If you prefer communication in another language, free interpretation and translation services are available, please email LanguageAccess@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.3960.