News | ALXnow - Part 318

Notes: Local coworking franchise opens new location on Alexandria waterfront

Published September 18, 2024 at 9:55AM

ALX Community new offices (photo via ALX Community/Facebook)

Good morning, Alexandria!

⛈️ Today’s weather: Expect rain and potential thunderstorms before noon, followed by likely showers and possible thunderstorms after noon. The presence of patchy fog is anticipated between 7am and 1pm. Temperatures will reach a high near 74 with a northeast wind at 11 to 13 mph, and gusts up to 22 mph. There is a 90% chance of precipitation, with new rainfall amounts between a quarter and half an inch. For Wednesday night, scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected, with mostly cloudy conditions and a low around 64. The northeast wind will be at 9 to 11 mph, and the chance of precipitation is 30%.

Here’s your guide to celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month in Alexandria

By James Cullum

Published September 18, 2024 at 9:00AM | Updated September 18, 2024 at 9:44AM

Flags from 20 Latin American countries are lining Market Square outside Alexandria's City Hall at 301 King Street for Hispanic Heritage Month, Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, 2024 (via City of Alexandria)

Hispanic Heritage Month just returned to Alexandria, and here’s how to celebrate.

Live music, author discussions and book readings are just a few of the offerings for the annual month-long recognition that officially kicked off this past Sunday (Sept. 15) in Del Ray.

Alexandria warns of possible flooding in Old Town at high tide tonight

By Vernon Miles

Published September 17, 2024 at 3:45PM

Alexandria marina (image via City of Alexandria)

The City of Alexandria is warning locals to be aware of a coastal flood advisory in effect until 10 p.m. tonight.

The advisory warns of one half foot of inundation above ground level in low lying areas due to tidal flooding, particularly along Alexandria’s waterfront.

School Board to evaluate ‘grade reconfigurations’ at Alexandria’s two K-8 schools

By James Cullum

Published September 17, 2024 at 2:45PM | Updated September 18, 2024 at 2:51PM

Jefferson-Houston PreK-8 IB School at 1501 Cameron Street (via Jefferson-Houston/Facebook)

Both of Alexandria’s middle schools and its two K-8 schools are overcrowded or approaching capacity, and facing an uptick in enrollment the School Board will soon consider seven models to ease the strain.

On Thursday night, the board will receive a comparative analysis assessing “grade-level reconfigurations” at Patrick Henry K-8 School (4643 Taney Avenue) and Jefferson-Houston PreK-8 IB School (1501 Cameron Street).

Crumbl Cookies hosting grand opening of Bradlee Shopping Center location next week

By Vernon Miles

Published September 17, 2024 at 1:20PM

Cookies at Crumbl (photo via Crumbl/Facebook)

After a long, long wait, the grand opening for cookie shop Crumbl at the Bradlee Shopping Center (3618 King Street) is right around the corner.

The store is celebrating their opening on Friday, Sept. 27 starting at 8 a.m. The Utah-based chain offers a rotating roster of cookies from classics to more experimental variants.

Thousands of backpacks with school supplies donated to Alexandria City Public Schools

By Vernon Miles

Published September 17, 2024 at 11:30AM

Backpacks bound for K-2 kids (Photo via ACPS/Facebook)

Locals helped Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) hit their goal to collect 3,500 backpacks filled with school supplies to students in need this year.

The backpacks are being distributed by school social workers to students. ACPS said over 30 partner organizations helped raise funds and supplies for the drive.

Notes: Animal festival and adoption event returns to Old Town next month

By Vernon Miles

Published September 17, 2024 at 9:55AM

Dog at AWLA (photo via AWLA/Facebook)

Good morning, Alexandria!

☀️ Today’s weather: Mostly cloudy with a night near 79. Chance of showers throughout the day, with showers likely tonight and thunderstorms tomorrow.

These three concepts for George Mason Elementary School going to Alexandria School Board

By James Cullum

Published September 17, 2024 at 9:10AM

The three proposed concepts for the new George Mason Elementary School (via ACPS)

Three conceptual designs for George Mason Elementary School will be unveiled Thursday and the School Board will have a little more than a month before endorsing a plan.

Potomac Yard bar hosting ‘Adult Spelling Bee’ Tuesday night

By Vernon Miles

Published September 16, 2024 at 3:55PM

Letters (photo via Diomari Madulara/Unsplash)

Sure, you may be able to spell “otorhinolaryngologist” sober, but Potomac Yard bar Bark Social (formerly Barkhaus) is inviting you to try it after a few drinks.

Bark Social Alexandria (529 E. Howell Avenue) is hosting the “ultimate adult spelling bee” tomorrow (Tuesday) from 7-8 p.m.

Construction at Christ Church Alexandria closing Old Town block next week

By Vernon Miles

Published September 16, 2024 at 1:20PM

Closure of Cameron Street block (image via City of Alexandria)

The 700 block of Cameron Street will be closed for part of next week during the day because of construction nearby.

The City of Alexandria said in a release that the 700 block of Cameron Street will be closed from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Alexandria wants input for new 15-year housing master plan

By James Cullum

Published September 16, 2024 at 11:15AM

Sanse project (image via City of Alexandria/Housing Alexandria)

Alexandria is embarking this month on the creation of 15-year plan to tackle affordable housing issues. Once approved, the Housing 2040 Master Plan will give City Council and staff goals, strategies and direction on the city’s housing plans.

Housing affordability and zoning issues have been key issues in the upcoming City Council election on Nov. 5. Alexandria contended with a 62% decline in market-affordable rental units in the city between 2000 and 2021.