Vernon Miles | ALXnow

Alexandria church faces expulsion from denomination over female pastors

Published May 14, 2024 at 3:50PM

First Baptist Church of Alexandria (2932 King Street) faces expulsion from the Southern Baptist denomination because of its female pastors.

The Southern Baptist Convention only allows men to occupy the office of pastor/elder/overseer, but the Washington Times reported that Kim Eskridge has held the position of pastor at the church in Alexandria for nearly 20 years.

News

Alexandria considering more tax relief for elderly and disabled residents

By Vernon Miles

Published May 14, 2024 at 1:45PM

Money on a table (staff photo via Vernon Miles/ALXnow)

Elderly Alexandrians could find it a little easier to get tax relief this year.

A new amendment being considered at a City Council meeting on Saturday, May 18, would increase the allowable gross household income in the city’s Real Estate Tax Relief program for the Elderly and Disabled.

News

Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson endorses in race for successor

By Vernon Miles

Published May 14, 2024 at 11:20AM | Updated May 14, 2024 at 12:13PM

Mayor Justin Wilson (center) sits with School Board Member Ashley Simpson Baird and in front of School Board Chair Michelle Rief at the Alexandria Democratic Committee's mayoral debate between Vice Mayor Amy Jackson and City Council Member Alyia Gaskins at Alexandria City High School on April 30, 2024 (staff photo by James Cullum)

Incumbent Mayor Justin Wilson has weighed in on the competitive race to replace him as the Alexandria’s mayor.

Wilson endorsed City Council member Alyia Gaskins, who is currently running against Vice Mayor Amy Jackson and Steven Peterson, a real estate developer.

News

New residential project unveiled for near Eisenhower Metro Station

By Vernon Miles

Published May 14, 2024 at 9:55AM

Eisenhower Block 20 (image via Architects Collaborative Incorporated/Paradigm)

Plans to build a new residential condominium building at the east end of Eisenhower Avenue are headed to the city review process this month.

The Paradigm Development Company is planning on building a 12-story, 150,300 square-foot multi-unit residential building, tentatively called Block 20 East Condominiums.

Opinion

Poll: How often do you bike to work?

By Vernon Miles

Published May 13, 2024 at 2:45PM

A cyclist on the Woodrow Wilson Bridge (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

This Friday (May 17) is Bike to Work Day, an annual event that encourages locals to bike to the office.

The city and community organizations will operate pit stops around the city with giveaways, coffee and more.

News

William Ramsay Elementary School briefly placed on secure status earlier today after man refused to leave

By Vernon Miles

Published May 13, 2024 at 1:40PM

William Ramsay Elementary School (image via City of Alexandria)

William Ramsay Elementary School was briefly placed on “secure the building” status earlier today after a person not permitted to be at the school showed up at the front door and then refused to leave.

The school went into secure status around 10:54 a.m. for approximately 15 minutes, the school said in a release.

News

Alexandria and neighbors want feedback on National Airport noise issue

By Vernon Miles

Published May 13, 2024 at 10:00AM | Updated May 13, 2024 at 10:39AM

At Gravelly Point, a man in a folding chair reads a book as planes land at National Airport (Staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Alexandria is looking to gather more public feedback on an issue that’s impacted Old Town since the popularization of the jet engine: noise from Washington National Airport (DCA).

Alexandria, Fairfax County and Prince George’s County have hired Vianair Consulting to spearhead a collaborative effort with members of the community and staff from various airport agencies to recommend changes to DCA airspace and flight procedures.

News

Carr Properties says construction starting this year on Old Town North development and dance nonprofit home

By Vernon Miles

Published May 10, 2024 at 2:55PM | Updated May 10, 2024 at 7:57PM

901 N. Pitt Street rendering (image courtesy The Carr Companies)

(Updated 7:50 p.m.) An anticipated new development in Old Town North could be kicking off in the next few months.

Austin Flajser, President and CEO of The Carr Companies, said development is getting started on preparing to start development on 901 N. Pitt Street, with the project construction starting later this year.

News

VDOT warns of delays near Shirlington/North Ridge border due to road work this weekend

By Vernon Miles

Published May 10, 2024 at 10:55AM

Shirlington Circle bridge closure (image via VDOT)

Drivers traveling on N. Quaker Lane or I-395 near the Shirlington/North Ridge border this weekend should expect some delays.

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) said double-lane closures are planned near the Shirlington interchange on Saturday, May 11, and Sunday, May 12.

News

JUST IN: Car overturned in Seminary Hill crash

By Vernon Miles

Published May 9, 2024 at 6:55PM

Car overturned on N. Jordan Street (photo courtesy John Yuda)

A car overturned at a crash at the N. Jordan Street and N. Kemper Street intersection with at least one injury.

According to the scanner, the crash occurred around 6:30 p.m. today (Thursday).

News

New report says Alexandria needs more childcare in the West End and Arlandria

By Vernon Miles

Published May 9, 2024 at 3:55PM

A mother and child at a food distribution outside Casa Chirilagua in Arlandria on Thursday, May 21, 2020. Casa Chirilagua is one of the recipients of the ACT Now COVID-19 Response Fund. (Staff photo by James Cullum)

A new generation of first-generation Americans is being born primarily in Arlandria and the West End, but a new report said Alexandria doesn’t have the childcare facilities in those neighborhoods to support the children and new parents.

The new Community Needs Assessment, prepared by the Economic Opportunity Commission (EOC) and the Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS), examined issues of housing, employment, and more around Alexandria. Part of the Assessment examined the accessibility of childcare around the city.