In a gathering marked by heartfelt appeals and urgent concerns, Alexandria City Council members listened intently as residents and community leaders voiced their thoughts during a public hearing on June 14, 2025. The atmosphere in the city hall was charged with emotion as speakers addressed pressing issues affecting their neighborhoods and lives.

The meeting opened with a powerful statement from local clergy, including Reverend Grace Hahn and Pastor Quietricha Striscoll, who represented a coalition of faith leaders. They delivered an open letter emphasizing the importance of unity, inclusion, and justice in the face of division and fear. Their message resonated deeply, calling for respect and understanding among all community members, and urging city leaders to prioritize kindness and justice in their policies.

As the session progressed, the focus shifted to the contentious issue of the proposed sale of the Elite Old Town property, home to many vulnerable seniors. Rosetta Horn, a new resident and former city clerk, raised concerns about the lack of transparency surrounding the sale, questioning the city’s communication with residents and the potential impact on their lives. She highlighted the emotional toll on the community, many of whom had relocated from far and wide, only to feel blindsided by the sudden announcement of the building's sale.

Residents of the Elite voiced their fears and frustrations, with Dalal Hassan Hamid passionately describing the sense of betrayal felt by tenants who believed they had found a safe and supportive home. They expressed worries about the future of their community and the quality of care they had come to rely on, urging the council to reconsider the sale and ensure that their voices were heard.

Owen Affie, another concerned citizen, raised alarms about the financial risks associated with the proposed loan guarantee for the purchase of the property by the Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority (ARHA). He cautioned that the deal could impose significant liabilities on taxpayers and urged the council to conduct thorough due diligence before making any decisions.

Throughout the meeting, council members acknowledged the complexity of the issues at hand, with Vice Mayor Bagley requesting clarity on the number of residents affected by the proposed changes. The council committed to facilitating further discussions between residents and city officials to address their concerns and ensure that all voices were considered in the decision-making process.

As the meeting concluded, it was clear that the path forward would require careful navigation of community needs, financial implications, and the overarching goal of fostering a supportive environment for all Alexandrians. The council's upcoming vote on the matter, scheduled for June 24, looms large, with many residents hopeful for a resolution that honors their contributions to the community and safeguards their future.