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Alexandria City Council Member Alyia Gaskins (on left) and Vice Mayor Amy Jackson at the ADC mayoral debate, April 30, 2024 (staff photo by James Cullum)

It’s been a busy week in Alexandria. There were multiple mayoral and city council forums and debates this week as the city gets closer and closer to the June 18 primary.

The Alexandria Police Department also confirmed the identities of the suspicious death victims last week in the Braddock and Arlandria neighborhoods, but there’s been no other update from police yet in either case.

The most-read stories this week were:

  1. Notes: Administrative shakeup at Alexandria City High School creates behind-the-scenes tension (18476 views)
  2. Notes: Alexandria DOESN’T crack New York Times’ Top 25 D.C. area restaurants list (13101 views)
  3. Former GM sentenced 30 months for embezzling $680K from Hanks Oyster Bar in Old Town (5610 views)
  4. Alexandria Mayoral candidate Steven Peterson hospitalized after injury (4669 views)
  5. Police release identity of victim in last week’s suspicious death in Braddock neighborhood (3692 views)
  6. Alexandria mayoral candidates Gaskins and Jackson reveal contrasting visions in ADC debate (3271 views)
  7. No charges after woman allegedly assaulted in Del Ray Sunday afternoon (2272 views)
  8. Police investigating robbery this morning at T-Mobile store in Landmark neighborhood (2112 views)
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A margarita at Tequila & Taco at 540 John Carlyle Street (staff photo by James Cullum)

The Cinco de Mayo fiesta is starting early this Sunday in Carlyle.

From 9 to 10 a.m., Tequila & Taco (540 John Carlyle Street) will be selling six-ounce margaritas for 5-cents apiece, and will be giving away 600 straw sombreros.

“The 5-cent margaritas have been a big hit, to say the least,” restaurant owner “Mango” Mike Anderson told ALXnow. “We’ve got Cornhole and other games, too.”

It’s the fourth annual Cinco de Mayo patio party for the Mexican restaurant, which has made a deal with the Virginia ABC to allow outdoor patio drinking until 10 p.m., as well as the city to use the parking spaces in front of the business and stretching to its sister restaurant Sweet Fire Donna’s (510 John Carlyle Street) for tall tables with umbrellas.

“Most Mexican restaurants figure it’s like an Irish bar on St. Patrick’s Day,” Anderson said. “All they have to do is open the doors and the party starts. Well, we think this is a big deal, and we need to show some generosity and have some fun.”

By the way, SoberRide is offering free rides for Cinco de Mayo.

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After missing an important mayoral debate this week due to a “freak accident” while canvassing that led to his hospitalization, Steven Peterson says that he’s done sitting on the sidelines.

Peterson said that got 10 stitches in his nose and suffered a concussion after his 105-pound Golden Retriever chased a squirrel and he face-planted on a gravel path at the West End Farmer’s Market on Sunday. He said that the leash was wrapped around his legs and that he flipped over after the dog bolted.

The injury kept Peterson from participating in the Alexandria Democratic Committee’s debate on Monday or in a candidate forum with Tenants and Workers United in Arlandria on Wednesday.

The June 18 Democrat primary is only 46 days away.

“I am sorry that I missed the debate on Tuesday as I was looking forward to discussing the issues that the city has in front of them and exploring real solutions other than just words of encouragement,” Peterson wrote. “I want to leverage my 30 years of business experience to benefit the City of Alexandria, and I intend to accomplish that through a Listen, Learn, React and Lead mantra.”

Peterson’s campaign will resume next week, although he “won’t win any beauty contests,” he said.

Peterson sent ALXnow a statement on the issues that were presented in Monday night’s debate. In the email he said that his new mantra is “listen, learn, react and lead.”

“I am not going to take a back seat anymore and be the ‘developer’ candidate that arrived late to race, and is ignored, and is seen as a Republican,” Peterson wrote. “I want to appeal to the broader base and be issue-focused.”

A retired developer and political newcomer, Peterson is the distinct outsider in the race. He’s never served on a city board or commission, unlike his opponents, Vice Mayor Amy Jackson and City Council Member Alyia Gaskins. He also trails his opponents in fundraising and endorsements.

He also was opposed to the Potomac Yard arena and said he wants to reverse the Zoning for Housing/Housing for All suite of zoning ordinances passed last year.

Peterson’s full statement is below the jump. Read More

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Submit your own Announcement here.

Address: 110 W Nelson Avenue
Neighborhood: Del Ray
Type: 6 BR, 4 (+1 half) BA single-family detached
Listed: $2,000,000

Noteworthy: Built in 2022 with main and upper level primary suites

Welcome to 110 W Nelson, the gorgeously curated home in the desirable Del Ray neighborhood!

New from the ground up (2022), there is no shortage of space in this 6 bedroom, 4.5 bathroom, over 4,000 SF home which features both a main and upper level primary suite! With 10ft soaring ceilings, the main level offers a traditional layout and plenty of space for entertaining. The expansive kitchen features white shaker cabinetry, stainless appliances, and a large peninsula with plenty of seating and storage. The great room is the perfect place for gathering indoors around the gas fireplace, or open the tall sliding doors and enjoy the lovely spring evenings on the back porch while overlooking the beautiful yard!

A coveted main level primary suite features a perfect private balcony, en-suite bathroom with a tiled shower, and a large walk-in closet including a stackable washer/dryer for convenience. Walk upstairs to 4 generously sized bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, and a spacious laundry room! The large recreation room offers plenty of space for a family room, game room, or playroom. An exercise room with sliding doors has plenty of ceiling height for all the equipment, and also plenty of natural light to use as a home office. Don’t miss the 6th bedroom with a lovely bathroom, perfect for a guest room or au-pair room.

Large windows, tall ceilings, tons of natural light (the home is even pre-wired for solar panels!) storage galore, wide hallways, are just a few of the owners’ favorite features!

Listed by:
Jen Walker Team — McEnearney Associates
[email protected]
(202) 257-9901

Just Listed highlights Alexandria City properties that came on the market within the past week. This feature is sponsored by the Jen Walker Team (Licensed in VA) of McEnearney Associates REALTORS®.

Welcome Back!

Jen Walker here with The Jen Walker Team! We are a real estate group based out of Alexandria, Virginia. I, along with my rock-star team members, Sue Kovalsky, Micki MacNaughton, Adrianna Vallario and Nancy Lacey, have more than 40 years of experience in real estate and sold over $145 million in 2023.

Welcome to 3 S Floyd Street, a lovely three-level end unit townhome nestled in a prime location just off Duke Street. Park in the driveway and enter through the garage, or enter into the foyer, and you’re greeted by a tastefully designed space featuring neutral paint and gorgeous tiled floor with stunning solid onyx inlay.

At the rear of this level, you will find a spacious recreation room/office. This room – -which could also be used as a den, gym or bedroom, has great storage and houses the washed/dryer. Head upstairs to the kitchen and dining/living rooms. The kitchen is a chef’s dream, equipped with shaker-style cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, a tile backsplash, and gorgeous granite countertops. The kitchen has a pass-through opening/window overlooking the dining area, adding a touch of charm and functionality to the space, while the living area features a cozy wood-burning fireplace.

Step outside through the sliding glass door onto the oversized back deck, where you can enjoy al fresco dining or work from home on warm summer days. Rounding out this level is a coveted powder room, offering convenience and comfort for you and your guests. The upper level features two large primary bedrooms, each boasting its own en-suite bathroom — providing both privacy and luxury. Old Town Alexandria’s renowned restaurants, shops, and entertainment options are just minutes away. For commuters, easy access to I-395 and the beltway makes this home a commuter’s dream!

Welcome home!

Open House: Saturday, May 4 and Sunday, May 5 from 1-3 p.m.

3 S Floyd Street, Alexandria — $599,900

Click here for additional Just Listed properties in Alexandria and call The Jen Walker Team to schedule a home tour at 703-675-1566 or email [email protected].

Happy House Hunting!

In our highly competitive Alexandria market, the Jen Walker Team has the insider knowledge to connect you with homes that are not even public yet. With more than 40 years of experience, the Jen Walker Team has the expertise to answer questions, calm fears, and streamline your transaction. Want to see other homes not featured in this article? Contact our team today!

Please note: While The Jen Walker Team provides this information for the community, they may not be the listing agents of these homes. Equal Housing Opportunity.

McEnearney Associates Realtors®, 109 S. Pitt Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 #WeAreAlexandria

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Platter for Cinco de Mayo (image via Heather Ford/Unsplash)

Anyone planning on imbibing on Cinco de Mayo may want to bookmark this page: the Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP) is offering its free SoberRide program for the upcoming holiday.

Cinco de Mayo is, as the name suggests, this Sunday, May 5. The SoberRide program will start at noon on Sunday and continue until midnight.

“During this twelve-hour period, area residents ages 21 and older celebrating with alcohol may download the Lyft app to their phones then enter the SoberRide code in the app’s ‘Payment’ tab (under the ‘Add Lyft Pass’ option) to receive their no-cost (up to $15) safe transportation home,” SoberRide said in a release.

The program is offered around the D.C. area, including Alexandria and the rest of Northern Virginia.

The code will be posted at 11 a.m. on Sunday at the SoberRide website.

WRAP runs the SoberRide program on all major holidays, including St. Patrick’s Day, Independence Day, Halloween, and through New Year’s and other winter holidays.

Image via Heather Ford/Unsplash

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5055 Seminary Road (image via Google Maps)

Police are investigating an early morning shooting at Southern Towers.

According to scanner traffic, the victim was shot in the hand around 2 a.m. in the Southern Towers parking lot. Witnesses told police the gunshot seemed to follow a fight outside.

Police said the injuries were non-life-threatening, and the victim was reported to the hospital. The scanner said police found shell casings at the site.

Police said on social media that updates will be “released as necessary.”

Photo via Google Maps

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Good Friday morning, Alexandria!

🌤️ Today’s weather: Expect a mostly sunny day with a high of around 79 degrees and an east wind at approximately 10 mph. As for Friday night, there will be a 40% chance of showers, primarily after 11 pm, accompanied by mostly cloudy skies and a low temperature of about 54 degrees. The east wind will be blowing at a speed of 7 to 11 mph.

🚨 You need to know

Chocolate cake (staff photo by James Cullum)

A new chocolate emporium is opening this weekend in Old Town, Alexandria Living Magazine reported.

Madame Coco: Emporium & Everything Chocolate is opening at 103 S. St. Asaph Street. The new chocolate shop will also double as a tarot card reading spot, the owner told ALXnow.

“I’m sourcing chocolate from all over the world,” Armstrong told ALXnow. “I believe I can this can turn this into something really special. I really would like to find a small group of people who would be interested in partnering.”

📈 Friday’s most read

The following are the most-read ALXnow articles for Apr 26, 2024.

  1. No charges after woman allegedly assaulted in Del Ray Sunday afternoon (1341 views)
  2. Notes: Two hospitalized after GW Parkway crash on Wednesday afternoon (1240 views)
  3. Alexandria City Council adopts budget with 2.5 cent real estate tax rate increase (1221 views)

📅 Upcoming events

Here is what’s going on today and this weekend in Alexandria, from our event calendar.

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Here in Alexandria, real estate is a spectator sport. Let’s take a look at some of the most and least expensive single-family homes sold last month (April 2024).

Most expensive single-family homes sold

  1. 610 S Lee St — Old Town — $2,900,000 (3 beds | 3 baths | 2,931 sq. ft.)
  2. 505 N Quaker Ln — Taylor Run — $2,410,000 (6 beds | 4.5 baths | 6,206 sq. ft.)
  3. 34 E Linden St — Rosemont — $1,960,000 (4 beds | 3 baths | 3,272 sq. ft.)
  4. 3720 Seminary Rd — Seminary Hill — $1,895,000 (4 beds | 3.5 baths | 5,547 sq. ft.)
  5. 4 E Alexandria Ave — Del Ray — $1,825,000 (4 beds | 5 baths | 3,156 sq. ft.)

Least expensive single-family homes sold*

  1. 3804 Taft Ave — Seminary Hill — $665,000 (3 beds | 1 baths | 1,584 sq. ft.)
  2. 90 S Iris St — Seminary Hill — $690,000 (4 beds | 3 baths | 1,633 sq. ft.)
  3. 140 N Gladden St — Seminary Hill — $710,000 (4 beds | 2 baths | 1,990 sq. ft.)

*Minimum home value of $200,000 set to exclude certain land sales, retirement condos, properties with expiring ground leases, etc.

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