News | ALXnow - Part 1035

Morning Notes

Published November 14, 2019 at 8:00AM

Alexandria house in the fall (staff photo by Kalina Newman)

Key Leader Chosen for New VT Campus — “Virginia Tech has found its founding director for the computer science program at its forthcoming Innovation Campus in Alexandria. Sara Hooshangi, a faculty member at George Washington University’s College of Professional Studies since 2010, will join Virginia Tech in January to build the curriculum at the new campus.” [Washington Business Journal]

Va. Tech Flags at Market Square — “Thanks to @AlexandriaVAGov #VirginiaTech flags are flying on Market Square commemorating the one-year anniversary of the #VTInnovationCampus announcement. Snap your photo – they’ll be up all week.” [Twitter]

ALXnow Celebrates Launch with Event in Old Town

By Vernon Miles

Published November 13, 2019 at 4:30PM

McEnearney Executive Vice President Dave Hawkins (far left), State Senator Adam Ebbin (left), Local News Now founder and publisher Scott Brodbeck (center) and McEnearney Vice President Michael Day (right) at the ALXnow launch party (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

A little over one month after it launched, local news site ALXnow celebrated its launch with a party last night (Tuesday).

The event was hosted by McEnearney Associates — ALXnow’s launch sponsor — at the company’s Alexandria headquarters at 109 S. Pitt Street. The event featured appearances from city leaders and members of the local business community.

City Council Heads into Legislative Package ‘Playing with House Money’

By Vernon Miles

Published November 13, 2019 at 3:15PM

Alexandria City Hall (staff photo by Kalina Newman)

It has been years since the City Council has been giddy during a meeting discussing its state legislative package.

For the first time in decades, there is a Democratic majority in the Virginia legislature, which is a boon to the city’s all-Democrat council.

Final Preps Underway Ahead of I-395 Express Lanes Opening This Weekend

By Vernon Miles

Published November 13, 2019 at 2:05PM

Traffic on I-395 (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

It’s all hands on deck at the Transurban offices as the company prepares for the launch of the new I-395 Express Lanes this weekend.

The 395 Express Lanes — which run from Edsall Road in Fairfax County up eight miles to the 14th Street Bridge, passing through Alexandria’s West End — are scheduled to switch over to High Occupancy Toll lanes this Sunday, Nov. 17.

Aslin Beer Company and Pacers to Host Evening Social Run

By Airey

Published November 13, 2019 at 11:30AM | Updated March 15, 2024 at 2:37PM

Want a happy hour but don’t want to skip the gym? One Alexandria brewery has you covered.

Today (Wednesday) Aslin Beer is teaming up with running store Pacers to host an evening jog and social mixer for who those who like their exercise with company and beer.

Inaugural Alexandria Makers Market To Debut Next Week

By Kalina Newman

Published November 13, 2019 at 10:30AM

Artisan vendor at the Alexandria Makers Market (photo provided by Spotted MP (Marketing + Public Relations)

Over 22 local artisans are participating in the first Alexandria Makers Market next week.

The holiday event is set for Sunday, November 24 from 12-6 p.m. at Port City Brewing Company (3950 Wheeler Avenue).

Alexandria Schools Roll Out Ten Year Plan With a Sizable Price Tag

By Vernon Miles

Published November 13, 2019 at 9:30AM

Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) officials have laid out their ten-year plan to modernize the schools, and the work has already started on easing the sticker-shock that comes with it.

At a meeting on Thursday, Nov. 7, Superintendent Gregory Hutchings walked the School Board through the Capital Improvement Program (CIP). The CIP includes plans to spend $530 million over the next ten years on capital improvement projects, primarily focused on modernization and additions for schools.

Morning Notes

By ALXnow.com

Published November 13, 2019 at 8:00AM

Propeller on the waterfront (staff photo by Vernon Miles)

Wilson Skeptical of ‘National Landing’ Name — “For Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson, the term National Landing was always meant to help streamline the Amazon bid. He joked that he was a resister to the name, adding he still used Potomac Yard because that’s how his constituents know the area. ‘If we talk 10 years from now, will people be calling it National Landing? I don’t know. I doubt it,’ Wilson said.” [Washington Business Journal]

VT Grad Students Helping Plan Alexandria Campus — “Fresh off of four years in Blacksburg earning a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering at Virginia Tech, Logan Eisenbeiser moved to Northern Virginia last year to pursue his master of computer engineering at the university’s Falls Church campus. Little did he know that he would be helping to set the stage for future Hokies who also will study in Northern Virginia at Virginia Tech’s future Innovation Campus.” [Virginia Tech]

Alexandria Invites Bids for Construction of Fiber Network

By Vernon Miles

Published November 12, 2019 at 3:15PM | Updated March 15, 2024 at 2:39PM

The City of Alexandria is inviting companies to bid for the construction of a municipal fiber network, putting the city one step closer to breaking the current monopolies on television and telephone services in Alexandria.

Torpedo Factory Building To Celebrate 100-Year Anniversary This Weekend

By Kalina Newman

Published November 12, 2019 at 2:00PM

The Torpedo Factory Art Center in Old Town (staff photo by James Cullum)

Alexandria’s historic Torpedo Factory Art Center will honor two big anniversaries this weekend as the building turns 100 and the Art Center turns 45.

A celebratory Anniversary Ball will take place this Saturday, November 16 from 7-11 p.m. at the Torpedo Factory (105 N. Union Street). Guests are invited to “dress to impress and celebrate like it’s 1919 or 1974,” per the event website, and tickets are still available for $75.

City Announces Housing Summit to Review Affordable Housing Progress

By Vernon Miles

Published November 12, 2019 at 11:45AM

Andrew Adkins, an affordable housing neighborhood in Braddock (staff photo by Vernon Miles)

Alexandria’s Office of Housing has announced the 2020 Housing Summit to examine the current status of affordable housing in the city.

The event is scheduled for Jan. 11 at the Lee Center (1108 Jefferson Street) from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. The main goal of the event is to review the progress of the 2013 Housing Master Plan.