Vernon Miles | ALXnow

Morning Notes

Published December 16, 2020 at 9:15AM

Virginia Tech Students Help Design Oakville Triangle — “A group of local Virginia Tech students in an architecture studio class got the opportunity to reimagine a small section of Alexandria this semester.” [Alexandria Living Magazine]

Carolers Serenade Goodwin House Staff — “The carolers arrived in Dickensian costumes as a trio and sang classic as well as beautiful newer arrangements of traditional Christmas carols, well-known winter favorites, and gems of Channukah pieces with gorgeous harmonies.” [Zebra]

News

Winter Weather Advisory Issued Ahead of Expected Snowfall Tomorrow

By Vernon Miles

Published December 15, 2020 at 4:45PM

Alexandria, along with D.C. and Arlington, will be under a winter weather advisory starting tomorrow morning with possible rain, snow and ice.

The advisory was Tuesday afternoon and includes Arlington, Alexandria and D.C., where 1-2 inches of snow is expected to fall amid the mix of precipitation.

News

Alexandria Restaurant Partners Announce To-Go Holiday Menu

By Vernon Miles

Published December 15, 2020 at 3:45PM | Updated December 15, 2020 at 4:27PM

(Updated 4:25 p.m.) Alexandrians are being urged not to travel or gather in groups for the holidays, so Alexandria Restaurant Partners is putting together a series of specials to diners to take home and enjoy in 2-4 sized groups.

“Always committed to providing a total guest experience, this year’s ARP Christmas menus feature a la carte, Prix fixe, and packaged to-go menu options highlighting innovative twists on classic holiday dishes,” a spokesperson for the restaurant group said.

News

Landmark Transit Hub Tops List of Alexandria’s Transportation Priorities

By Vernon Miles

Published December 15, 2020 at 2:30PM

Relocation of proposed Landmark transit hub (image via City of Alexandria)

As the city prepares to head into 2021, staff and Transportation Commissioners have been putting together a New Year’s resolution of top transit priorities for the next two fiscal years.

In a report prepared for tomorrow’s Transportation Commission meeting, 20 planned transit projects were ranked by their priority to staff and commission members.

News

Giant Menorah Lighting at Hanukkah Celebration in Old Town Tonight

By Vernon Miles

Published December 15, 2020 at 1:30PM

Latkes, hot cocoa, donuts are more are planned for a Hanukkah ceremony in Alexandria tonight (Tuesday) scheduled to culminate with lighting candles on six-foot-tall menorah outside the Lyceum (201 S. Washington Street).

“Experience the festival of lights,” said host Chabad Lubavitch of Alexandria-Arlington on Facebook. “Come and share in the spirit and Joy of Chanukah at The Grand Chanukah Menorah Lighting in Old Town Alexandria at The Lyceum.”

News

New Oakville Triangle Plan Sails Through City Council Approval

By Vernon Miles

Published December 15, 2020 at 11:45AM

Proposed Inova facility in the Oakville Triangle (image via City of Alexandria)

New plans for the Oakville Triangle received an overwhelmingly positive reception from the City Council at the public hearing on Saturday and unanimous approval.

Plans for the Oakville Triangle include a new Inova HealthPlex and other land use changes. Plans presented to the City Council show dramatically scaled back retail and office space in the area compared to what was approved in 2015.

News

Francesca’s Permanently Closed in Old Town

By Vernon Miles

Published December 15, 2020 at 10:45AM

Women’s clothing and jewelry store Francesca’s (631 King Street) has permanently closed its store at the intersection of King Street and Washington Street.

The store replaced sushi restaurant BumbleFish in 2013. The store is one of 140 across the country being closed as the company files for bankruptcy. The Francesca’s was on the ground floor of the Alfriend Building — constructed in the late 18th century.

News

Morning Notes

By Vernon Miles

Published December 15, 2020 at 9:00AM

Virginia Tech Initials Officially Added to Potomac Yard — “The Metro board on Thursday unanimously approved a plan to add Virginia Tech’s initials to the future Potomac Yard station and remove the University of Virginia’s initials from the West Falls Church station.” [Washington Business Journal]

City Advises Preparation for Wednesday Winter Storm — “While Wednesday’s winter storm forecast evolves, we encourage you to make time now to ensure you & your family are prepared.” [Twitter]

News

Local Homeowners Enter Last Few Weeks for Leaf Pickup in Alexandria

By Vernon Miles

Published December 14, 2020 at 3:30PM | Updated December 15, 2020 at 8:15AM

(Updated 8:10 a.m. on 12/15/20) If you’re an Alexandria homeowner and put off raking: you’re entering the last stretch to get that yard cleaned up.

This week, Transportation and Environmental Services let locals know the city is entering the last phase of leaf clearing.

News

Old Town Cat Cafe Plans Ugly Sweater Party This Weekend, if the Kitties Cooperate

By Vernon Miles

Published December 14, 2020 at 2:45PM | Updated December 15, 2020 at 8:59AM

(Updated 8:10 a.m. on 12/15/20) If you’re a cat-owner that felt left out by the Barkhaus’ ugly sweater party for dogs, the new Mount Purrnon Cat Cafe and Wine Bar (109 S. Alfred Street) has some purrfect retribution.

The cafe’s cat ugly sweater party is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 19, from 7-9 p.m. The event is planned to include 15-20 cats in positively hideous holiday sweaters. Cookies and milk will be included.

News

City Council and Developers Clash Over Last Minute Changes to Affordable Housing Requirement

By Vernon Miles

Published December 14, 2020 at 1:45PM

At the finishing line for the mandatory affordable housing requirement for development, the policy hit some stumbling blocks as the City Council and a representative of the developers clashed over last minute changes and additions as Saturday’s City Council meeting.

Several proposed changes have been in the works for years that would essentially codify an existing voluntary contribution for additional density in developments into a mandatory requirement.