Vernon Miles | ALXnow

New report says Potomac Yard arena would jump start economic development in the neighborhood

Published December 26, 2023 at 2:45PM | Updated December 27, 2023 at 1:23PM

Rendering of aerial view of Monumental Arena development (image courtesy of JBG SMITH)

(Updated 12/27) An economic impact report released last Friday said the new Potomac Yard arena would create 30,000 jobs and more than double the economic output of previous development plans.

The report came from HR&A Advisors, a consultant hired by the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership AEDP in June as a technical advisor.

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Myron Mixon’s Pitmaster BBQ in Old Town rebranding

By Vernon Miles

Published December 26, 2023 at 11:00AM

Myron Mixon's Pitmaster Barbeque in Old Town (Staff Photo by Jay Westcott)

A barbecue restaurant in Old Town is keeping the same meat-focused menu but with a new visual and branding overhaul.

Myron Mixon’s Pitmaster Barbeque at 220 N. Lee Street filed a special use permit to change to Mystic BBQ & Grill.

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How to get rid of your Christmas tree in Alexandria

By Vernon Miles

Published December 26, 2023 at 10:15AM

Christmas tree at ALXnow editor's new apartment (staff photo by Vernon Miles)

Your Christmas tree is beautiful and it can stay up for a few more days, but as it starts getting closer to January, it might be time to start thinking about how to get rid of it.

Tree removal is usually a touchy subject in Alexandria, but Christmas tree removal is fortunately a little easier for anyone in Alexandria that gets trash removal via the city.

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Notes: Seminary Road homes with ‘affordable homeownership program’ starting construction in May

By Vernon Miles

Published December 26, 2023 at 9:00AM | Updated December 26, 2023 at 12:05PM

Proposed AHDC development off Seminary Road (photo via AHDC)

Good Tuesday morning, Alexandria!

🌤️ Today’s weather: Rain today with a high near 52. Chance of precipitation is 80%. Rain continues through the night and into tomorrow, with thunderstorms tomorrow after 1 p.m.

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Merry Christmas from ALXnow

By Vernon Miles

Published December 22, 2023 at 1:40PM

Christmas tree at ALXnow editor's new apartment (staff photo by Vernon Miles)

Christmas is just around the corner and ALXnow will be taking a couple of days off to celebrate.

Like our mothership, ARLnow, we wanted to wish our readers — YIMBYs, NIMBYs and NIMPYs all — happy holidays!

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Metro cutbacks could impact a dozen Alexandria Metrobus routes

By Vernon Miles

Published December 22, 2023 at 9:55AM

Metrobus near Potomac Yard (staff photo by Vernon Miles)

If Metrobus service is cut back, as WMATA has threatened, several Alexandria lines could be on the chopping block.

General Manager Randy Clarke warned that bus service cuts and job cuts are imminent if the transit agency doesn’t close its $750 million budget gap, adding that he said it’s time for a regional tax to permanently fund WMATA.

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What’s open, what’s closed, and where you can park around Alexandria on Christmas Day

By Vernon Miles

Published December 21, 2023 at 11:00AM

Santa Claus waves at the Scottish Christmas Walk Parade in Old Town on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023 (staff photo by James Cullum)

Christmas is right around the corner and with that comes closures and changes to service schedules around the city.

Here’s a look at what’s open, closed, or has an altered schedule thanks to the upcoming holidays:

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Alexandria utility launching new bill assistance program early next year

By Vernon Miles

Published December 21, 2023 at 9:55AM

AlexRenew headquarters (via Alexandria Renew Enterprises/Facebook)

Alexandrians struggling to pay their sewer bill might have some relief next year.

AlexRenew, the city’s wastewater authority, said in a release it’s launching a charity-funded emergency bill assistance program called Lifeline Emergency Assistance Program (LEAP).

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Inova Landmark development will have fewer beds than the current hospital

By Vernon Miles

Published December 20, 2023 at 3:45PM

The proposed Inova Alexandria Hospital building on the former Landmark Mall site (via City of Alexandria)

Inova Alexandria Hospital is currently a 318-bed community hospital. Once it opens its new hospital in Landmark in 2028, it’ll be a 192-bed hospital.

At a City Council meeting last week, Councilwoman Alyia Gaskins raised concerns from the community about the loss of beds in the new development. Dr. Rina Bansal, president of Inova Alexandria Hospital, said the decrease in beds is part of making services more efficient.

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