City Council To Name Facility For Former Councilmember Del Pepper

ALEXANDRIA, VA — City Council will consider naming a new city government facility after Del Pepper, the retired councilmember serving 36 years.

In December 2021, the previous City Council voted to name the future facility at 4850 Mark Center Drive after Pepper. A staff group came up with two possible names: Redella S. Del Pepper Community Resource Center and Redella S. Del Pepper Resource Center. A community feedback process was completed from April 26 to May 6.

The final selection was Redella S. Del Pepper Community Resource Center. In late May, the City Council Naming Committee, made up of Councilmembers John Taylor Chapman, Sarah Bagley and Alyia Gaskins endorsed the name. On Tuesday, City Council gave first reading to the proposal and set a public hearing for Saturday.

The 4850 Mark Center Drive facility will co-locate services for the Department of Community and Human Services and Alexandria Health Department, as well as provide a Neighborhood Health location. The Department of Community and Human Services will be relocated from 2525 Mount Vernon Avenue, while the Alexandria Health Department will move from 4480 King Street. The city aims to complete the move in February 2023.

Chapman introduced the motion Tuesday, noting the previous City Council wanted to name the facility after a longtime councilmember representing the West End. Pepper, who was first elected to City Council in 1985, did not seek another term in 2021.