Who’s Who in Old Town North
Old Town North is a vibrant neighborhood with many amenities, known for its walkability and Potomac River views. From an industrial past, it has changed to become a desirable place to live and work, close to Washington DC and Alexandria’s King Street retail corridor. Housing values are steadily increasing, and restaurants and shops have begun to locate in the neighborhood.
Three non-profit organizations are the stewards of the neighborhood. It can sometimes be confusing who does what. Starting with the oldest, these profiles will make it easier to understand their roles and relationships.
Old Town North Community Partnership -- this organization was chartered at the conclusion of the first Old Town North Small Area Plan. Its mission was “residents and business working together” to function as a civic association and to review developments that were facilitated by passage of the plan. Its members fought for public investment and amenities in Old Town North. In the mid-2000s, it was successful in obtaining capital improvements to Montgomery Park, including the gazebo, removal of chain link fencing, and landscaping. Subsequently, OTNCP has taken on the creation of events such as Taste of Old Town North and Dogtoberfest to animate the neighborhood. It also operates the Old Town North Farmers Market that takes place in Montgomery Park on Thursdays from 3 to 6 (winter) or 4 to 7 (summer). In 2021, Margaret Townsend is President. For further information: www.oldtownnorth.org.
NOTICe -- The North Old Town Independent Citizens Association formed in 1999 to advocate on issues such as air quality, lower property taxes, good development, and waterfront planning. It is composed of residents of Old Town North who pay membership dues. It sponsors four membership meetings a year and is active in land use and community affairs. It is managed by a 7 to 9 person Board of Directors elected in November of each year. In 2021, Mary Harris is President. For further information: www.notice-alexandria.org.
Old Town North Alliance -- The Alliance is the newest kid on the block, formed in 2019 to promote the Arts and Cultural District proposed in the Old Town North Small Area Plan adopted in 2017, and to create a distinct identity for Old Town North as a place to live, work, enjoy restaurants, and be healthy. The Alliance co-sponsors events, seeks opportunities for public and private art and streetscape improvements, and coordinates with active developers to add amenities to the neighborhood. Membership is open to large and small businesses, residents, and property owners. In 2021 Agnès Artemel is President. For further information: www.oldtownnorthalliance.com
And Where is Old Town North? It is basically the portion of the City of Alexandria VA north of Oronoco Street and east of N. Washington Street, extending up to Daingerfield Island and including Marina Towers and the Power Plant. OTNCP extends its outreach to businesses located in the Braddock neighborhood west of Washington Street.
