Author: Vernon Miles

Vernon Miles is the ALXnow cofounder and editor. He's covered Alexandria since 2014 and has been with Local News Now since 2018. When he's not reporting, he can usually be found playing video games or Dungeons and Dragons with friends.

News

SoberRide returns this weekend for free Cinco de Mayo rides

By Vernon Miles
Platter for Cinco de Mayo (image via Heather Ford/Unsplash)

Anyone planning on imbibing on Cinco de Mayo may want to bookmark this page: the Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP) is offering its free SoberRide program for the upcoming holiday.

Cinco de Mayo is, as the name suggests, this Sunday, May 5. The SoberRide program will start at noon on Sunday and continue until midnight.

Go to SoberRide returns this weekend for free Cinco de Mayo rides Read more
News

Traffic and Parking Board backs Lynhaven roundabout but cans one-way street reversal

By Vernon Miles
Glebe Road/Montrose Avenue/Ashby Street intersection conversion (image via City of Alexandria)

The Traffic and Parking Board endorsed one intersection change that could make Lynhaven/Del Ray a little safer but did not approve the proposed reversal of a one-way street.

The proposed changes reviewed at the meeting earlier this week were:

Go to Traffic and Parking Board backs Lynhaven roundabout but cans one-way street reversal Read more
News

City warns locals that ’emergencies’ at Woodrow Wilson bridge next week are part of training exercise

By Vernon Miles
Fire department training at the Woodrow Wilson Bridge (image via City of Alexandria)

It’s likely that during the day on Sunday, someone in Old Town will see a commotion on the Woodrow Wilson Bridge. There will be fire crews assembled and a person dangling off the side.

If you’re that person and a frantic “Woodrow Wilson Bridge emergency” Google search led you here: don’t panic, fire and rescue departments are planning a series of training challenges at the bridge.

Go to City warns locals that ’emergencies’ at Woodrow Wilson bridge next week are part of training exercise Read more
News

Alexandria City Council adopts budget with 2.5 cent real estate tax rate increase

By Vernon Miles
Alexandria City Council voting on the FY 2025 budget (image via City of Alexandria)

Alexandrians will see their taxes go up this year, with most of that going to help Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS).

The Alexandria City Council unanimously approved the FY 2025 General Fund Operating Budget at a quick meeting last night. The operating budget totals $926.4 million — a 4.8% increase over last year’s budget.

Go to Alexandria City Council adopts budget with 2.5 cent real estate tax rate increase Read more
News

Thompson Italian in Old Town could be getting new third-floor expansion

By Vernon Miles
Bucatini Carbonara at Thompson Italian (image via Thompson Italian/Facebook)

If you’ve had trouble getting a spot at Thompson Italian in Old Town, you could be in luck soon.

The acclaimed Italian restaurant could be getting a new third-floor expansion pending approval of a special use permit.

Go to Thompson Italian in Old Town could be getting new third-floor expansion Read more
News

New tour explores the lost history of historic black neighborhoods the Berg and Parker-Gray

By Vernon Miles
Parker-Gray School (photo via City of Alexandria)

A new tour will bring locals on a tour around the ‘Lost Buildings’ around the historic Black neighborhoods of the Berg and Parker-Gray.

The Berg is a neighborhood around North Pitt, North Royal and North Fairfax Streets. The neighborhood was founded by liberated Black families who moved to the neighborhood and sought the protection of the Union Army. Many were from Petersburg — thus “the Berg”. Many of the new Alexandria residents worked on the wharves and railroads during the Union occupation of the city.

Go to New tour explores the lost history of historic black neighborhoods the Berg and Parker-Gray Read more
News

Victory Center and Vulcan developments spur new interest in redevelopment along Eisenhower Avenue

By Vernon Miles
4601 Eisenhower Avenue (image via Google Maps)

Redevelopment is still a few years away for an industrial lot at 4601 Eisenhower Avenue, but the prospect of new development at the Victory Center and the Vulcan site has developers eyeing new investments in the Eisenhower corridor.

Like many of the lots along Eisenhower Avenue, the lot at 4601 is classified as industrial. Owner Boundary Investments LLC  is hoping for an “umbrella” approval (item 7) for a variety of special uses down the road and to expand the square footage of non-complying uses from 14,654 square feet to 45,501 square feet.

Go to Victory Center and Vulcan developments spur new interest in redevelopment along Eisenhower Avenue Read more
News

Major King Street intersection getting resurfaced this week

By Vernon Miles
Traffic near the George Washington Masonic Memorial during a storm (staff photo by James Cullum)

Travelers driving overnight on King Street this week should be aware there may be some delays due to repaving work at the busy King Street, Callahan Drive and Russell Road intersection.

That intersection is the marquee item of this week’s (April 29 through May 5) repaving and street maintenance schedule around Alexandria. Work on the intersection will take place overnight from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. this week.

Go to Major King Street intersection getting resurfaced this week Read more
View More Stories