Vernon Miles | ALXnow

Alexandria karate studio battles Fairfax zoning to open dojo near Springfield

Published September 5, 2023 at 1:30PM | Updated September 5, 2023 at 2:05PM

Seichou Karate founder Richard Romero in his new Fairfax location (image courtesy Richard Romero)

Things were looking up for Richard Romero, founder of Seichou Karate in Alexandria. The Old Town dojo is facing imminent closure thanks to redevelopment, but Romero finally found a new home just northeast of Springfield.

But, like a crane kick at the end of a karate championship, Romero said some surprising zoning issues have cropped up that could spell trouble for plans to open Seichou Karate at 5710 General Washington Drive.

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Heat advisory issued for Alexandria with heat index reaching over 100 degrees

By Vernon Miles

Published September 5, 2023 at 9:40AM

(staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Stay cool and keep hydrated; the National Weather Service said it’s going to be a hot day in Alexandria.

The heat advisory has been issued for noon to 8 p.m. today. Heat index values are expected to reach 100 and 105 across the region.

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Notes: Alexandria woman competing on ‘Golden Bachelor’ show for single seniors

By Vernon Miles

Published September 5, 2023 at 8:40AM

Nancy Hulkhower competing on The Golden Bachelor (image via Bachelor Nation/Instagram)

Good Tuesday morning, Alexandria!

☀️ Today’s weather: The forecast for Tuesday includes mostly sunny and hot conditions with a high temperature near 98 degrees. During Tuesday night, the weather will be clear with a low temperature of around 76 degrees

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ALXnow’s top stories this week in Alexandria

By Vernon Miles

Published September 1, 2023 at 1:30PM

Former Vice Mayor Bill Cleveland at a protest at City Hall, Aug. 28, 2023 (staff photo by James Cullum)

One of the biggest stories of 2023 for Alexandria will likely be the city’s plans to reshape housing zoning, and this week largely set the board for the upcoming months of discussion and argument.

The city’s Zoning for Housing/Housing for All plan hasn’t officially been unveiled yet, that’s coming at a meeting next Tuesday night, but that didn’t stop it from dominating the conversation this week.

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Old Town deli wants to grow from stop-and-go to full dining experience

By Vernon Miles

Published September 1, 2023 at 9:45AM

Since it opened in February, Eddie’s Little Shop and Deli (1406 King Street) has been a spot to grab what you need and go, but that could change.

A new special use permit indicates the shop could be adding a little indoor seating soon, giving the bodega-like deli space an area for people to enjoy their meals.

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BREAKING: Suspect arrested in Arlandria murder

By Vernon Miles

Published August 31, 2023 at 8:15PM

The scene of a shooting on the 800 block of W. Glebe Road (staff photo by James Cullum)

The Alexandria Police Department (APD) announced tonight that they’ve made an arrest for the fatal shooting in Arlandria in July.

APD said 26-year old Rae’Qwan McClinnahan, a non-city resident, has been charged with second degree murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a murder.

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New sandwich shop opens in Old Town

By Vernon Miles

Published August 31, 2023 at 1:45PM

Inside of Union Sandwich Co. (image via Andrew Wolfe/Facebook)

Union Sandwich Company (101 N Union Street), a new sandwich shop, is now open in the Torpedo Factory building at the end of King Street.

The shop, from the same team behind Slaters Market, officially opened on Aug. 18 a little under a year after permits were filed. Union Sandwich Company features fresh salads, sandwiches, eclectic wine, beer and more.

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Upcoming tour highlights the ‘Lost Buildings’ of Alexandria’s past

By Vernon Miles

Published August 31, 2023 at 10:45AM

Alexandria sometime between 1861-1865 (image via Library of Congress)

Most historic tours around Alexandria take visitors to historic buildings, but a unique set of tours next month offers insight into the buildings that aren’t there.

The Lost Buildings of Alexandria tour examines the historic buildings that, for one reason or another, have been lost to time.

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What’s open and closed around Alexandria for Labor Day

By Vernon Miles

Published August 30, 2023 at 3:45PM | Updated August 30, 2023 at 11:39PM

The Old Town Trolley waits for passengers near the Torpedo Factory on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2019 in Alexandria. (Staff Photo by Jay Westcott)

The upcoming Monday is Labor Day, so those sticking around town for the weekend should be aware of some closures ahead.

Most city services are impacted by the holiday, from the local animal shelter to courts.

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Alexandria launches public comment process for Eisenhower Avenue changes

By Vernon Miles

Published August 30, 2023 at 1:45PM

Eisenhower Avenue (image via Google Maps)

While much of the discussion about transportation changes has been focused on Duke Street recently, the city is starting to turn its eyes to Eisenhower Avenue.

The City of Alexandria is now accepting public comment on transportation issues and needs along Eisenhower Avenue. The survey is part of a process aiming to evaluate mobility, access and safety needs along Eisenhower Avenue.

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Despite flurry of new apartments, experts say Alexandria has a housing shortage

By Vernon Miles

Published August 30, 2023 at 11:15AM

Marion M. McFadden, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Community Planning and Development, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (image via City of Alexandria)

The bottom line at a panel on housing last night: housing is unaffordable in Alexandria and likely won’t get cheaper without more construction.

Last night, the City of Alexandria hosted a panel of experts to discuss the state of housing in the city — from a look back at the evolution of the city’s zoning code to projections and trends in the housing market. The panel is part of the city’s ongoing Zoning for Housing/Housing for All project, which aims to reshape zoning in the city to be more accessible, affordable and available.