Vernon Miles | ALXnow

GMU study says new Potomac Yard arena development could bolster workforce housing supply

Published February 20, 2024 at 1:50PM

Map of Monumental Arena development (image courtesy of JBG SMITH)

The Center for Regional Analysis (CRA) at George Mason University released a study over the weekend that said the Potomac Yard arena development could be a boon for local workforce housing.

The study notes that the arena development is slated to include 5,400 residential units across three development phases.

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Alexandria sees first drop in apartment building assessments in over a decade

By Vernon Miles

Published February 16, 2024 at 11:25AM

Renderings of JBG Smith's proposed mixed-use apartment building on block 15 of the North Potomac Yard development (Via City of Alexandria)

A study of real property taxes showed assessments for multi-family residential properties have declined for the first year since 2010.

Multi-family buildings like apartment complexes are classified under commercial real estate rather than residential real estate.

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Notes: WMATA seeking public feedback on possible fare hikes

By Vernon Miles

Published February 16, 2024 at 9:00AM

The Potomac Yard Metro station (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Good Friday morning, Alexandria!

☀️ Today’s weather: Partly sunny, with a high near 48. A slight chance of rain before 10 p.m., then snow. The snow could be heavy at times. Low around 33. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.

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NWS warns of snowy Friday night and Saturday for Alexandria

By Vernon Miles

Published February 15, 2024 at 1:55PM

Snow on Commonwealth Avenue (staff photo by James Cullum)

Skies are clear and sunny today, but the National Weather Service is warning that tomorrow night (Friday) and Saturday morning could see snow around the area.

The National Weather Service put out a ‘special weather statement’ for Alexandria and many surrounding localities that accumulating snow is possible Friday night.

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Consultants behind Potomac Yard transportation study taking questions from the public next week

By Vernon Miles

Published February 15, 2024 at 10:00AM

Opening of the Potomac Yard Metro station (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

One of the biggest concerns about the Potomac Yard arena has been the transportation plan: how can the city effectively get arena traffic to and from Potomac Yard?

A transportation study by consultant Kimley-Horn outlined both challenges and possible solutions to transportation concerns.

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Alexandria small businesses and organizations partnering for Ukraine fundraiser

By Vernon Miles

Published February 14, 2024 at 2:00PM

Pysanky for sale at Made in ALX (image courtesy Made in ALX)

Buying a traditional decorated egg, called pysanky, in Alexandria will help support families affected by the war in Ukraine.

Creator collective Made in ALX is collaborating with local management consultant business The Critical Mass and a group of Ukranian-American artists led by Pysanky Steph to sell the decorated eggs and raise funds for Razom for Ukraine, a nonprofit that donates food and other kinds of support to Ukrainian families.

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Alexandria City Council embarks on second water war with Virginia American Water

By Vernon Miles

Published February 14, 2024 at 11:10AM

ALXnow reporter's sink (staff photo by Vernon Miles)

Three years after Alexandria battled with Virginia American Water over a significant rate hike, both sides are rearing up for round two.

Back in 2021, the City of Alexandria pushed back against a rate increase proposed by utility company Virginia American Water. The city was able to secure a $420,000 refund, but the rate still increased.

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Alexandria fentanyl and gun trafficker sentenced to 15 years in prison

By Vernon Miles

Published February 14, 2024 at 9:55AM

Albert V. Bryan United States Courthouse (image via Google Maps)

Alexandria resident Carrington Hammond, found guilty of multiple fentanyl and gun trafficking charges, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison, according to the Department of Justice.

Hammond was found guilty of selling fentanyl-laced pills that looked like oxycodone and selling firearms with the serial numbers filed off — aka a “ghost” gun.

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Alexandria City Council cracking down on swatting with ordinance to seek reimbursement

By Vernon Miles

Published February 13, 2024 at 2:35PM | Updated February 13, 2024 at 3:05PM

Police at Charles Barrett Elementary School (staff photo by James Cullum)

Alexandria’s been hit with a series of swatting calls recently and the city is eyeing new legislation that could make perpetrators literally pay for it.

A proposed section of the city code, which Mayor Justin Wilson said takes advantage of authority granted by the state, would allow the City Manager or a designee to bill a flat fee after “determining the reasonable expense of an appropriate emergency response.”

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King Street block closed Thursday night for crane activity

By Vernon Miles

Published February 13, 2024 at 9:50AM

Closure planned for the 1500 block of King Street (image via City of Alexandria)

It seems like construction cranes have been flocking to Alexandria streets recently. Just after a street closure due to crane activity in the Braddock neighborhood, crane activity is closing a block of King Street this Friday.

From 9 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 15, to 3 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 16, the 1500 block of King Street (between Peyton Street and Harvard Street) will be closed to pedestrian and vehicle traffic.

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Alcohol and outdoor seating could be coming to a popular new Del Ray pizza spot

By Vernon Miles

Published February 12, 2024 at 3:55PM

Benny Diforza's Pizza at 1504B Mount Vernon Avenue in Del Ray (staff photo by James Cullum)

New pizza restaurant Benny Diforza’s (1504B Mount Vernon Avenue) has been popular since opening last week. The restaurant was well attended this weekend, and according to an application with the City of Alexandria, there could be more space for diners soon.

Benny Diforza’s is part of a Benny’s Pizza chain with locations across Virginia, the Carolinas, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wyoming.