Brandi Bottalico | ALXnow

Inova campus concept plans at former Landmark site filed with city

Published March 24, 2022 at 3:30PM

One of the first looks at the proposal for the Inova hospital campus at the old Landmark site was filed with the city last week (screenshot via City of Alexandria permit system)

Inova has filed concept plans for the 10-acre site that will relocate the Alexandria hospital to the former Landmark Mall property and is expected to start construction in 2024.

Phase I of the campus construction proposal includes a 565,525-square-foot level 2 trauma hospital with below-grade and structured parking, a 107,239-square-foot cancer center and a 88,085-square-foot specialty care building, according to the development concept plan filed with the city last week. The existing parking garage will remain, adding 550 parking spaces for the campus to the additional 950 spaces to be constructed.

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Night for Ukraine to raise money, show Alexandrians how to help

By Brandi Bottalico

Published March 24, 2022 at 2:15PM | Updated March 24, 2022 at 5:34PM

Ukrainian refugees make it to Poland (courtesy of Mary Leonard)

(updated at 5:30 p.m.) A Night for Ukraine organizers hope to raise $10,000 to go toward relief efforts in Ukraine and raise awareness at the event, which Alexandria businesses have rallied behind to support.

LOVE in ALX‘s Mary Leonard and local business owner Dominique Fakir put together the Friday night fundraiser for U.S.-based nonprofit CORE, Community Organized Relief Efforts. The nonprofit’s volunteers are working in Poland to address the immediate needs of Ukrainian refugees.

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Morning Poll: Have you returned to work in person?

By Brandi Bottalico

Published March 24, 2022 at 9:30AM

Work Studio (file photo)

As Covid transmission in Alexandria remains low and restrictions ease, many workers are returning to the office.

In March, talk of federal workers returning has been more prevalent. According to Axios, the Biden administration viewed the employees as a group who could lead by example with a return to in-person work.

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Carlyle health center development starts to seek tenants ahead of construction

By Brandi Bottalico

Published March 23, 2022 at 2:20PM

A rendering of the John Carlyle Center (courtesy of Cushman Wakefield)

With construction slated for later this year, the planned John Carlyle Center for Health and Wellness is looking for tenants.

The developer behind the 126,000-square-foot medical facility is starting to push out the word ahead of construction that space is available to lease. Cushman & Wakefield is handling the leasing of the medical offices and retail spaces.

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Alexandria hotel tailors stay to dogs as industry leans into pet-friendly accommodations

By Brandi Bottalico

Published March 23, 2022 at 9:45AM | Updated March 23, 2022 at 4:48PM

Hyatt Centric Old Town now has an option to spoil your pooch with its “Bark, it’s your Birthday!” package (courtesy of Nano Betts)

(updated at 4:45 p.m.) While more than half the hotels in Alexandria are pet-friendly, one hotel has added a package to go above and beyond for your furry friend.

The “Bark, it’s your Birthday!” package from Hyatt Centric Old Town Alexandria figuratively rolls out the red carpet for your pooch.

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Alexandria police officer arrested, charged with domestic assault and battery

By Brandi Bottalico

Published March 22, 2022 at 5:20PM

Police car lights (file photo)

An Alexandria Police Department officer was arrested last week and charged with domestic assault and battery, according to an APD news release.

Police said the officer, 30-year-old Richard Haynes, is on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. The alleged incident occurred in the city on Nov. 27, 2021. The release did not provide more information.

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City Council to receive update on stormwater infrastructure projects

By Brandi Bottalico

Published March 22, 2022 at 3:45PM

A construction crew installs a check valve on East Mason Street in November (via City of Alexandria)

City staff laid out what’s ahead for some of the city’s stormwater infrastructure projects in a presentation prepared for the City Council’s meeting tonight (Tuesday).

Three large projects to increase sewer capacity are planned in Del Ray, according to the Flood Action Alexandria presentation. Two of the projects — a $34 million undertaking at East Glebe Road and Commonwealth Avenue and a $16 million project at Ashby Street and East Glebe Road — were merged together for planning purposes. The two projects are next to each other in the Four Mile Run watershed.

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Beautification Commission announces 2022 Alexandria Architecture Award winners

By Brandi Bottalico

Published March 22, 2022 at 10:50AM

Beaconcrest Homes and the owners of 128 and 128A East Walnut Street were among the 2022 winners (staff photo by Brandi Bottalico)

The Alexandria Beautification Commission announced its 2022 Alexandria Architecture Award winners Monday.

The commission asked for nominations and also toured the city looking for candidates that “speak to the character and future of the City, inspire others to enhance the beauty and architecture of their properties and help make Alexandria a creative, dynamic community.”

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Alexandria man indicted on first-degree murder charge in BJ’s killing

By Brandi Bottalico

Published March 22, 2022 at 9:30AM

The Franklin P. Backus Courthouse at 520 King Street in Alexandria (staff photo by James Cullum)

A 33-year-old Alexandria resident has been indicted on a first-degree murder charge, a more serious charge than he was previously facing, in connection to a stabbing at BJ’s Wholesale Club in the Landmark area.

The indictment, which a Grand Jury returned March 14, charges Rakibul Islam Fakir on the one felony count of first-degree murder, which is punishable by life in prison, according to a news release from the Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney.

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From taking seniors to appointments to budget mentoring, there are many chances to volunteer in Alexandria

By Brandi Bottalico

Published March 21, 2022 at 2:15PM

There are plenty of volunteer opportunities this spring, including a mini serve-a-thon hosted by Volunteer Alexandria.

The serve-a-thon will be held from April 18 through 23 and pair those who register with a project that week that supports local and state parks. But for those who are looking for other types of chances, Volunteer Alexandria’s website lists plenty.

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JUST IN: Alexandria City Public Schools will be virtual Thursday due to snow in forecast

By Brandi Bottalico

Published January 19, 2022 at 5:35PM

A snow plow drives down Mount Vernon Avenue in Arlandria, Jan. 3, 2022. (staff photo by James Cullum)

Alexandria City Public Schools will provide synchronous, virtual learning Thursday after a Winter Weather Advisory warned there may be 2 to 3 inches of snow in the morning.

Class times will include live instruction through Zoom and independent work. All essential personnel must still report to schools, if it is safe to do so.