Arlington, Alexandria briefs

Residents at hearing support parks, question borrowing

The Arlington County Board held a public hearing Saturday on the county's $1 billion, six-year capital improvement plan. It was County Manager Michael B. Brown's first meeting.

Most of the dozen residents who spoke at the hearing said they supported parks and parkland acquisition.

A few speakers questioned borrowing so much money, and therefore increasing the county's debt limits, for projects such as a new Wakefield High School, saying that keeping the county in good financial standing with the bond rating agencies is more important.

Barbara Donnellan, former acting county manager, said the proposed bond referendum, which the board will discuss in July, includes about $58 million in county projects and more than $100 million in school projects.

The board will vote on the six-year plan next month.

Enrollment rises 50 percent in Arlington pre-K program

Arlington County's pre-kindergarten enrollment has increased 50 percent since 2002, totaling 750 3- and 4-year-olds having received a pre-K education, according to the program's evaluation.

That report also noted performance improvement for pre-K graduates, according to the Phonological Awareness and Literacy Screening assessment.

Finalists selected to design Charles H. Houston Memorial

The Alexandria Commission for the Arts and the Office of the Arts recently announced the selection of four finalists for the design of the Charles Hamilton Houston Memorial, which will be at the recreation center at 901 Wythe St. The artists were chosen from among 60 applicants.

The finalists are the team of Jennifer Andrews and Gregg LeFevre of New York; Christopher Erney of Alexandria; the team of Robert Firmin and Eugene Daub of Kensington, Calif.; and Preston Jackson of Dunlap, Ill.

They have three months to develop and present a proposal. The public will have a chance to comment on the proposals at the recreation center. A winner will be announced in the fall.

A committee of Alexandria residents has been established to raise $300,000, through grants and private donations, for the project. To contribute to the memorial, contact Alisa Carrel, director of the Office of the Arts, at alisa.carrel@alexandriava.gov or 703-746-5590.

Alexandria to host its 33rd Memorial Day Jazz Festival

Alexandria will host the city's 33rd annual Memorial Day Jazz Festival from 1 to 7 p.m. Monday at Fort Ward Park, 4301 W. Braddock Rd.

In case of rain, the festival will be at the Lee Center's Kauffman Auditorium, 1108 Jefferson St. Admission is free.

-- Compiled by Christy Goodman