Vernon Miles | ALXnow

Alexandria historic preservation group seeks a seat in Torpedo Factory discussions

Published December 29, 2021 at 1:15PM

The Torpedo Factory in Old Town (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

There’s been a lot of discussion about changes happening inside the Torpedo Factory, but at least one group in Alexandria wants a little more attention paid to what will happen to the building itself.

At the Historic Alexandria Resources Commission (HARC) Advocacy Committee meeting last Tuesday, the group said there needs to be a seat at the table in Torpedo Factory discussions representing the historic elements of the building.

News

Morning Notes

By Vernon Miles

Published December 29, 2021 at 5:00AM | Updated December 29, 2021 at 9:36AM

Inova discourages ER visits for mild, asymptomatic COVID testing — “With demand for COVID-19 testing high, Inova Health System says emergency room visits should be reserved for emergency and critical needs.” [Patch]

New restaurants coming to Shirlington — “Chinese-Korean eatery opens first Virginia location; beer hall to take over Capital City Brewing spot.” [Alexandria Living Magazine]

Opinion

Poll: Are you planning any New Years’ activities?

By Vernon Miles

Published December 28, 2021 at 2:45PM

The grand finale of Alexandria's birthday celebration over the Potomac River, July 7, 2018 (staff photo by James Cullum)

With the Omicron variant situation sending Alexandria’s COVID numbers skyrocketing, several New Year’s events like First Night are being canceled.

A majority of poll respondents last week said their holiday travel plans weren’t being affected by COVID-19 and they still planned to travel.

News

Alexandria’s revitalization of local Civil War fort headed to public review

By Vernon Miles

Published December 28, 2021 at 9:45AM

The City of Alexandria is planning to host a public meeting next month to discuss plans to overhaul Fort Ward Park.

The site was a fort constructed during the Civil War as part of a ring of defenses protecting Washington D.C. The site currently has a museum and frequently hosts reenactments of daily life during the Civil War.

News

Morning Notes

By Vernon Miles

Published December 28, 2021 at 5:00AM

Friends of Mount Vernon Trail replacing damaged boards — “Volunteers made multiple repairs to broken and rotting bridge deck boards this year. Help us by a few 2×8 replacement boards and screws by donating today” [Twitter]

Plastic bag tax starts Jan. 1 in Alexandria, Fairfax County — “Starting Jan. 1, businesses in Alexandria will be charging you 5-cents per single-use plastic bag that you use from local grocery stores, convenience stores and drug stores.” [Alexandria Living Magazine]

News

Rail work at Potomac Yard Metro station nearly complete as project rolls ahead

By Vernon Miles

Published December 27, 2021 at 1:15PM | Updated January 12, 2022 at 2:55PM

Construction work at Potomac Yard Metro station, photo via City of Alexandria

(Updated 1/12/22) Slowly — maybe too slowly — the Potomac Yard Metro station is coming together. An update at a meeting last Tuesday showcased the latest in the station’s construction and offered a look at what’s ahead in the spring.

One of the biggest updates is that the rail in the middle of the station is nearly complete.

News

Alexandria’s waterfront flood prevention plans get boost from state funding

By Vernon Miles

Published December 27, 2021 at 10:50AM

Last week, Gov. Ralph Northam’s office announced a new batch of flood prevention grants, and this time around Alexandria’s getting more than the pocket change it did the last time around.

Two Alexandria projects were featured in the new round of funding, with one project design, in particular, getting a major boost.

News

Alexandria launches new ‘work-based learning’ program

By Vernon Miles

Published December 27, 2021 at 9:45AM

The City of Alexandria is launching a new program to connect businesses with locals looking for work experience.

Alexandria’s Workforce Development Center (WDC) is hosting a “Work-based learning” program that will connect pre-screened candidates looking for job experience with various businesses around Alexandria. The program is scheduled to start on Monday, Jan. 3.

News

Morning Notes

By Vernon Miles

Published December 27, 2021 at 5:00AM

Birds in Alexandria (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

How farmers’ markets adapted amid pandemic — “Every Saturday, the Old Town Farmers’ Market, located at 301 King St., teems with people looking to fill their grocery bags and socialize with friends… A trip to the farmers’ market, year round and regardless of weather, is a natural part of the weekend for many vendors and consumers alike.” [Alexandria Times]

First Night events canceled in Alexandria due to COVID-19 — “The fireworks show will go on, but other First Night events are canceled.” [Alexandria Living Magazine]

News

Landmark-adjacent development deferred over affordable housing and other concerns

By Vernon Miles

Published December 23, 2021 at 2:15PM

Landmark Overlook would transform the corner of South Wilkes Street and Stephenson Avenue into a mixed use property with hotels or office buildings, two-level stacked condominium units, apartments and retail. (Image via City of Alexandria)

A development near Landmark Mall was deferred at the applicant’s request after the project was hammered by City Council for its lack of affordable housing and design issues.

Things had been looking positive for West End Associates LLC’s Landmark Overlook project — spread across 5901, 5951, and 5999 Stevenson Avenue and 2 South Whiting Street — as it headed into the City Council on Saturday. The project was approved by the Planning Commission and city staff.

News

Alexandria seeking new poet laureate

By Vernon Miles

Published December 23, 2021 at 9:45AM

Current poet laureate KaNikki Jakarta, photo via City of Alexandria

Know anyone that’s a poet at heart? The City of Alexandria is opening applications to be the new poet laureate.

The poet laureate’s job, according to the press release, is to promote appreciation of poetry as an art form, encourage creative writing and reading, and promote literacy through poetry. The position has a three-year term starting on April 1, 2022, succeeding current poet laureate KaNikki Jakarta. The ceremonial role will also involve presentations of poetry to various audiences.