The Alexandria City Council held a public hearing on June 14, 2025, addressing critical issues affecting local residents, particularly those living in the Ladray High Rise. The meeting began with public comments from community members, highlighting urgent concerns regarding housing conditions and the treatment of vulnerable populations.

Charlie Holley, a resident and president of the Old Town neighborhood, opened the discussion by urging the council to stand firm against pressures from higher authorities that threaten funding based on discriminatory practices against transgender and gender nonconforming children. Holley emphasized the importance of supporting these communities and encouraged the council to remain steadfast in their commitment to equality.

Following Holley, Steven Hines, a senior resident of the Ladray High Rise, shared alarming details about the deteriorating conditions of the building. He described the urgent safety risks posed by gas leaks and structural damage, which have left residents, many of whom are elderly and vulnerable, in precarious living situations. Hines called for immediate assistance from the city to facilitate the relocation of residents to safer accommodations.

In response to Hines, council members expressed their understanding of the urgency of the situation and reiterated their commitment to finding a solution. They acknowledged the unacceptable living conditions and the need for swift action to address the residents' plight.

Lester Simpson, representing the Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority, provided an update on plans for acquiring a new building that would offer high-quality housing for vulnerable seniors. He assured the council that current residents would be allowed to stay and that no staff changes would occur. Simpson emphasized the potential benefits of this acquisition, including the preservation of affordable housing and the minimization of private landlord rejections of tenants with housing vouchers.

The meeting continued with additional public comments, including further testimonies from residents like Maudie Hines, who echoed her husband's concerns about the hazardous living conditions in the Ladray building. She described ongoing issues with water leaks and gas safety, pleading for the council to take decisive action to improve their living environment.

As the hearing concluded, council members committed to exploring options for the residents of the Ladray High Rise and ensuring that their voices were heard in future discussions. The council's next steps will involve further engagement with the Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority to address the urgent housing needs of the community.