News | ALXnow - Part 252

Grow your Alexandria business: Partner with ALXnow for tailored advertising solutions

Published May 7, 2025 at 10:00AM

Finding the right audience in a vibrant city like Alexandria is key to business growth, and ALXnow provides a direct connection to the heart of the community.

Since launching in 2019, ALXnow has become a trusted news source, rapidly growing to reach over 250,000 engaged monthly visitors (as of our 2024 data). This readership isn’t just passing through; they are the people who live, work, and invest in Alexandria and its surrounding areas, actively seeking local information – making ALXnow the premier digital platform to place your message for maximum local impact.

Not Fast Enough? McDonald’s on S. Van Dorn Street wants another drive-thru lane

By James Cullum

Published May 7, 2025 at 9:00AM

McDonald's at 505 S Van Dorn Street, photo via Google Maps

The 43-year-old McDonald’s restaurant at 505 S. Van Dorn Street is requesting a second drive-through lane to make orders faster.

In a proposal that will go to the Planning Commission in June, the restaurant’s owner asks the city for the change “to better serve our customers, improve the efficiency of the ordering process, and allow for better vehicular circulation on the property.”

Notes: Wonder food hall may be coming to Alexandria

By Ryan Belmore

Published May 7, 2025 at 8:30AM

Wonder will open seven D.C.-area locations this year. (via Wonder)

Good Wednesday morning, Alexandria!

Today’s weather: Increasing clouds, with a high near 78 degrees. Northwest wind 3 to 7 mph. Partly cloudy tonight, with a low around 60 degrees. Calm wind.

Greg’s Automotive Service has been fixing cars in Arlandria for 30 years

By James Cullum

Published May 7, 2025 at 6:00AM | Updated May 8, 2025 at 10:02AM

Dino (on left) and Greg Pehlivanis of Greg's Automotive Service in Arlandria (staff photo by James Cullum)

It only took a few decades, but Greg Pehlivanis’s dream came true in Alexandria.

Since 1995, the small team at Greg’s Automotive Service (3507 Mount Vernon Avenue) has fixed all manner of automobiles. But don’t worry. Even as Greg himself is stepping back and leaving operations to his son, Dino, the old troubleshooter says he’s still coming in to fix the odd car now and again.

Republicans accuse FBI of rushing to judgment in 2017 congressional baseball shooting case

By Ryan Belmore

Published May 6, 2025 at 8:00PM

Scene of the aftermath of the shooting in Alexandria, Virginia on June 14, 2017.

Top House Republicans are challenging the FBI’s conclusion that the 2017 congressional baseball practice shooter was motivated by “suicide by cop.”

NBC News reports that representatives from the Intelligence and Judiciary committees claim this assessment was made prematurely and doesn’t align with the evidence.

Former Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson to participate in GMU discussion on federal policy impacts

By Ryan Belmore

Published May 6, 2025 at 5:45PM

Former Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson speaks at the City Council installation at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center, Jan. 2, 2025 (staff photo by James Cullum)

George Mason University is hosting a Leadership Dialogue webinar on Friday (May 9) from noon to 1 p.m., focusing on how federal administration changes affect state and local government.

Former Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson will join the Regional Elected Leaders Initiative (RELI) for the discussion.

Developer seeks extension to build automated parking garage in Old Town

By James Cullum

Published May 6, 2025 at 3:30PM

Parking garage for 116 South Henry Street, image via City of Alexandria

The developer behind plans to build a five-story, 142-space automated parking garage and a 16-unit mixed-use apartment building with ground floor retail in Old Town is asking the city for an extension.

Galena Capital Partners says that its plans to build the project were delayed because of the COVID-19 pandemic, a legal dispute that was settled with a neighbor, new staffing in the city and more. The project was approved in 2022, and the development special use permit approvals expire in July.

Alexandria Police to honor fallen officers with wreath-laying ceremony on Wednesday

By Ryan Belmore

Published May 6, 2025 at 3:00PM

Alexandria Police Department (via Alexandria Police Foundation)

The Alexandria Police Department will hold a wreath-laying ceremony on Wednesday (May 7) to pay tribute to officers who have died while serving their community.

The event, part of the city’s Police Week observance, starts at 1 p.m. at the Alexandria Police Fallen Officers Memorial outside the department’s headquarters (3600 Wheeler Ave.).

Board of Architectural Review to review proposed plans for French bakery at former Firehook Bakery spot

By James Cullum

Published May 6, 2025 at 2:30PM

A rendering for French pastry shop Eclairons at 430 S. Washington Street in Old Town (via City of Alexandria)

A proposal for a new French bakery in Old Town will be submitted to the Board of Architectural Review on Wednesday (May 7).

Arlington-based Eclairons Pastry and Coffee House wants to open at the old Firehook Bakery at 430 S. Washington Street. The location was Shuman’s Bakery for more than 30 years before Firehook Bakery took over in 2004.

City seeks community feedback on concept designs for Edsall Road and Yoakum Parkway

By Ryan Belmore

Published May 6, 2025 at 1:30PM

Edsall Road and Yoakum Parkway Project (via presenation)

Alexandria is asking residents their thoughts on proposed changes to Edsall Road and Yoakum Parkway. The city wants to make these areas safer and easier to navigate for everyone.

The Department of Transportation & Environmental Services has developed some initial designs based on community input and traffic data. Last fall, over 100 residents shared their concerns about speeding, a lack of bike lanes, and tricky pedestrian crossings.

Alexandria City Council addresses economic challenges, housing and workforce development at Chamber of Commerce breakfast

By Ryan Belmore

Published May 6, 2025 at 11:00AM

Members of Alexandria City Council at Chamber ALX event on May 6.

Alexandria City Council members highlighted economic uncertainty and federal impacts as key challenges facing the city during a Chamber of Commerce breakfast Tuesday (May 6). The sold-out event at National Industries for the Blind allowed business leaders to hear directly from city leadership about priorities and upcoming initiatives.

Mayor Alyia Gaskins set the tone by describing the current climate of economic uncertainty facing Alexandria, particularly related to federal government changes.