Good Tuesday morning, Alexandria!
⛈️ Today’s weather: Showers are possible from 2pm to 5pm, followed by potential showers and thunderstorms after 5pm. Expect mostly cloudy conditions and a high of 78°F. Winds will remain calm before turning south at 6 mph in the afternoon, with a 30% chance of precipitation. Tonight, showers and thunderstorms may continue, bringing cloudy skies, a low of 59°F, and a south wind at 6 mph. The chance of precipitation increases to 50%.
🚨 You need to know
Tired of paying such a high electric bill? From now until June 30, the city is holding its annual Solarize Alexandria program that provides residents a free assessment for their property to install home solar power systems.
“During this period, Alexandria homeowners can sign up to receive a free solar satellite assessment of their property and discounted prices from vetted solar system installers,” the city said in a release.
According to the city:
This year marks the 10th anniversary of Solarize Alexandria! Solarize Alexandria is part of the broader Solarize Virginia program, a grassroots, community-based outreach initiative managed by the state non-profit Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP). LEAP provides ongoing customer support and education throughout the Solarize process.
Find out more at solarizeva.org.
📈 Monday’s most read
The following are the most-read ALXnow articles for Apr 8, 2024
- Notes: City cancels eclipse viewing party in Old Town, but there’s another party at Ben Brenman Park (6127 views)
- Alexandria’s Planet Fitness evacuated after emailed bomb threat (1702 views)
- Police: Man released after getting stuck in harness on Seminary Road Bridge over I-395
(1568 views)
📅 Upcoming events
Here is what’s going on today in Alexandria, from our event calendar.
- No events today. Have one to promote? Submit it to the calendar.
Over the last few days, Alexandrians have endured an asteroid impact, the tremors of a distant earthquake, and now: a solar eclipse.
At a viewing party at Ben Brenman Park, hundreds of Alexandrians came together to observe the eclipse through special glasses.
Fidelis Msacky watched with his fiancee Tanya Borachi.
The couple live nearby and bought their viewing glasses on Amazon.
“What’s cool for me is how the next eclipse is so far away,” said Msacky. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime event that we can experience.”
Borachi said that the turnout for the cosmic event at the park was uplifting.
“People really went all-out,” she said. “That’s really cool to see everybody out here watching this.”
Ready to witness a breathtaking celestial event?
Watch the 2024 total solar #eclipse live with us. https://t.co/0dMwJLSBL6
— NASA (@NASA) April 8, 2024
James Cullum and Vernon Miles contributed to this story
Good Monday morning, Alexandria!
🌤️ Today’s weather: Expect mostly sunny skies with a high around 68 and a light southeast wind, which will shift to the south and increase to 5-10 mph in the morning. By Monday night, the sky will become mostly cloudy and the temperature will drop to a low near 52, with a south wind at 3-7 mph.
🚨 You need to know
Alexandria canceled its eclipse viewing party today at Old Town Pool.
Not to worry.
There’s still an eclipse viewing party today at Ben Brenman Park, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
“Eclipse viewing glasses will be provided (one per group) while supplies last,” according to Alexandria Library. “Maximum coverage occurs at 3:20 p.m.”
In case of inclement weather, the event will occur inside the Charles E. Beatley Library with NASA’s live feed of the event.
📅 Upcoming events
Here is what’s going on today in Alexandria, from our event calendar.
- 1:30 pm: Eclipse Viewing Party
- 1:30 pm: Solar Eclipse Viewing Party
What a busy week in Alexandria.
This week’s top story was all about money, with a $1 million Powerball ticket getting sold in the Alexandria area of Fairfax County.
On Monday we reported that an Alexandria resident was charged after a loaded gun was allegedly found in his carry-on bag at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). The incident marked the third time last month that a firearm was confiscated from luggage at the airport.
Also Monday, Mayor Justin Wilson said in his monthly newsletter that the March 27 death of the Potomac Yard arena deal would likely mean a period of stagnation for that area of the city. Landowner JBG Smith, however, softened its stance after initially releasing a scathing opinion on the situation, and told the Washington Business Journal on Wednesday that it now envisions Potomac Yard as a tech corridor anchored by the Virginia Tech Innovation Campus.
In a Thursday poll, ALXnow asked whether Alexandria is better off without the Potomac Yard arena. The poll got more than 1,300 responses, with 65% voting “Yes,” 26% voting “No” and nearly 10% voting “I don’t know.”
Got a good spot to see the eclipse on Monday? Our second-most-read story this week showcases an eclipse viewing party being hosted by the city in Old Town.
The most-read stories this week were:
- Powerball ticket worth $1 million sold in Mount Vernon (7387 views)
- City of Alexandria hosting eclipse viewing party in Old Town (7375 views)
- Notes: Pizza and cocktail bar opening this week in Old Town (5997 views)
- Sign ordinance update tackling longstanding sign complaints from Alexandria businesses (5400 views)
- In wake of Potomac Yard arena implosion, Alexandria mayor says area will stay the same for ‘quite some time’ (5398 views)
- Alexandria gets federal grant for Duke Street transitway (4171 views)
- No arrest after woman stabbed in neck in Alexandria’s West End (3522 views)
- CIM Group sells apartment complex next to old Landmark Mall property for $225 million (3149 views)
Have a safe weekend!
Good Friday morning, Alexandria!
☀️ Today’s weather: Expect mostly sunny skies and a high of 54 degrees, accompanied by west winds at 7 to 17 mph and gusts up to 24 mph. As the evening approaches, the sky will remain mostly clear with temperatures dropping to around 37 degrees and a northwest wind of about 11 mph.
🚨 You need to know
Inova Blood Donor services will be on-hand at the Del Ray Farmer’s Market this Saturday.
Inova says that there’s a “critical shortage of blood, especially type O, due to increased usage in treating patients with critical injuries,” and will be hosting a number of blood drives throughout the region.
“Donations of any blood type, but particularly those with type O blood, could be the vital support these patients require,” Inova said in a release. “By donating, you directly impact lives and help replenish the blood supply to meet this urgent demand.”
Inova’s “Bloodmobile” will be at 2309 Mount Vernon Avenue from 8 a.m. to noon.
📅 Upcoming events
Here is what’s going on today and this weekend in Alexandria, from our event calendar.
- 7:30 pm Friday: Bring It On – ACHS Spring Musical
- 9:30 am Saturday: Common Interest Communities Training Series: Accessibility Requirements
- 10:00 am Saturday: All Lit Up Like a Japanese Lantern: The Japanese Aesthetic in Frank Lloyd Wright
- 12:00 pm Saturday: Literary Series: Parker Adams Discusses THE LOCK BOX
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 (March 2024).
Most expensive single-family homes sold
- 412 Wolfe St — Old Town — $2,900,000 (5 beds | 4.5 baths | 3,370 sq. ft.)
- 203 N View Terrace — Rosemont — $1,715,000 (4 beds | 3.5 baths | 2,811 sq. ft.)
- 32 N Donelson St — Seminary Hill — $1,683,999 (6 beds | 4.5 baths | 4,378 sq. ft.)
- 512 1/2 S Pitt St — Old Town — $1,550,000 (4 beds | 3.5 baths | 2,051 sq. ft.)
- 300 Ashby St — Del Ray — $1,475,000 (4 beds | 3.5 baths | 3,268 sq. ft.)
Least expensive single-family homes sold*
- 1407 Martha Custis Dr — North Ridge — $485,000 (3 beds | 1 baths | 1,170 sq. ft.)
- 2317 N Early St — Seminary Hill — $750,000 (2 beds | 2 baths | 2,025 sq. ft.)
- 1210 N Chambliss St — Lincolnia Hills — $810,000 (4 beds | 2.5 baths | 2,917 sq. ft.)
*Minimum home value of $200,000 set to exclude certain land sales, retirement condos, properties with expiring ground leases, etc.
Tajae is a beautiful 10-year-old dog looking for her forever home!
She’s definitely a favorite at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria, where she is available for adoption.
Tajae is a lovable and smoochable dog, according to AWLA spokesperson Erin Shackelford.
“She is bubbly and active despite being in her senior years,” said Shackelford. “She is always happy to meet a new friend and is incredibly social.”
Some of her favorite things include going on walks, playing in the backyard and lounging around! Of course she loves to relax every once in a while. Tajae is also familiar with children as she has lived with children of all ages in her previous home.
Want to meet Tajae in person? To learn more be sure to read her entire profile.
And to start the adoption process email [email protected] or call 703-746-4774.
Professional photos courtesy of DeSilva Studio.
Happy Thursday, Alexandria!
⛈️ Today’s weather: Expect isolated showers between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., followed by scattered showers and thunderstorms that could produce small hail. The day should be partly sunny with a high temperature near 57. Tonight, there’s a 30% chance of isolated showers between 8 and 11 p.m., with a low temperature of 39.
🚨 You need to know
What’s going to happen with the 12-acre property at Potomac Yard since the arena and entertainment district plans evaporated?
In an exclusive interview with the Washington Business Journal, Matt Kelly, the CEO for landowner JBG Smith, said that he doesn’t know exactly what will go into the space now, but that the arena deal highlighted the “attractiveness” of the property, which is next door to the Potomac Yard Metro station.
Kelly’s statements follow a scathing condemnation from the company immediately after the deal officially died.
Kelly said that JBG Smith’s 2020 plans to build six office buildings with ground floor retail on the arena will likely be scrapped due to a dwindling office market. He also said that Virginia Tech’s Innovation Campus and Amazon’s HQ2 in Crystal City will open opportunities for “tech uses” in the space.
The statement contradicts a more dire message from Mayor Justin Wilson, who recently wrote in his April newsletter that the arena failure will likely result in a period of stagnation for the property.
Good Wednesday morning, Alexandria!
⛈️ Today’s weather: Expect showers and possible thunderstorms after 8am, with potential heavy rain and a high of 59 degrees. East winds will blow at 8-13 mph, gusting up to 20 mph, with a 100% chance of precipitation and new rainfall amounts between half and three-quarters of an inch. Tonight, there’s a 50% chance of showers before 2am, and it will be mostly cloudy with a low around 41 degrees. West winds will reach 6-13 mph, gusting up to 21 mph.
🚨 You need to know
(Updated 3:45 p.m.) Mediterranean restaurant La’Baik held its grand opening this weekend.
The restaurant at 2309 Mount Vernon Avenue is owned by the Abdel-Hay family and serves falafel, gyros, shawarma and more, along with coffee.
La’Baik opened where Stomping Ground was. The restaurant briefly converted into a taco restaurant called Rubia’s Tacos, which then closed earlier this year.
La’Baik is open Tuesday and Wednesday from 11 a.m.-8 p.m., and Thursday through Sunday from 7:30 a.m.-8 p.m.
Photo via La’Baik/Instagram
📈 Tuesday’s most read
The following are the most-read ALXnow articles for Apr 2, 2024.
- Sign ordinance update tackling longstanding sign complaints from Alexandria businesses (1621 views)
- Powerball ticket worth $1 million sold in Mount Vernon (1618 views)
- City of Alexandria hosting eclipse viewing party in Old Town (985 views)
📅 Upcoming events
Here is what’s going on today in Alexandria, from our event calendar.
- No events today. Have one to promote? Submit it to the calendar.
Good Tuesday morning, Alexandria!
⛈️ Today’s weather: Expect showers before 2pm, transitioning to a chance of showers and thunderstorms from 2pm-5pm, and increasing to likely showers with potential thunderstorms after 5pm. The high temperature will be near 57°F with an east wind of 6-10 mph. There is an 80% chance of precipitation, with new rainfall amounts ranging from a quarter to half an inch. Tuesday night, anticipate showers, possible thunderstorms, and patchy fog with a low around 50°F. The east wind will continue at 8-10 mph, and the precipitation likelihood rises to 90%, with the same range of new rainfall amounts predicted.
🚨 You need to know
One family will win a monument to Alexandria’s infinite capacity for pettiness.
As part of Stop Child Abuse Now (SCAN) of Northern Virginia’s Tiny Home, Big Heart Playhouse Fundraiser, custom home builder Alair Alexandria built a scale model of the Hollensbury Spite House built into an alley at 523 Queen Street, Zebra reported.
The original 7’6″ wide home is less than 350 total square feet. Local legend is the homeowner in the adjacent property built the home after he got tired of people loitering in the alley
The new playhouse is only slightly less wide, 6’9″, and also contains multiple stories with an artificial grass backyard. The construction was sponsored by Andrea Courduvelis of Sotheby’s International Realty.
Those who want a chance at winning the home can donate $10 to SCAN.
Photo via SCAN of Nothern Virginia/Facebook
📈 Monday’s most read
The following are the most-read ALXnow articles for Apr 1, 2024.
- In wake of Potomac Yard arena implosion, Alexandria mayor says area will stay the same for ‘quite some time’ (2548 views)
- Notes: Pizza and cocktail bar opening this week in Old Town (1973 views)
- Alexandria adding protection to four bike lanes, including Seminary Road and King Street (1091 views)
📅 Upcoming events
Here is what’s going on today in Alexandria, from our event calendar.
- No events today. Have one to promote? Submit it to the calendar.
