News | ALXnow - Part 340

Alexandria mayoral candidates spar on Zoning for Housing, Potomac Yard arena and taxes

Published June 5, 2024 at 2:45PM | Updated June 5, 2024 at 3:06PM

City Council Member Alyia Gaskins speaks at the Chamber ALX mayoral debate at the George Washington National Masonic Memorial, June 4, 2024 (staff photo by James Cullum)

With less than two weeks until the June 18 primary, the city’s zoning overhaul, the failed Potomac Yard arena and residential taxes were among the top issues discussed by Alexandria’s mayoral candidates in the Chamber ALX‘s debate Tuesday night.

Vice Mayor Amy Jackson, Council Member Alyia Gaskins and former real estate developer Steven Peterson were cordial to each other as they were questioned by NBC4 Northern Virginia Bureau Chief Julie Carey at the George Washington National Masonic Memorial.

Solar-powered Atlas Brew Works opening in Carlyle on June 21

By James Cullum

Published June 5, 2024 at 1:45PM | Updated June 5, 2024 at 5:42PM

Atlas Brew Works is opening an Alexandria location (credit Atlas Brew Works)

Atlas Brew Works will be opening their new location in the city’s Carlyle neighborhood at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 21.

It’s been a year-and-a-half since the company announced its intention to open in the 6,000-square-foot space at 2429 Mandeville Lane — just across from the AMC Hoffman Center 22 theater.

Alexandria and neighbors under Flood Watch ahead of rainy afternoon

By Vernon Miles

Published June 5, 2024 at 11:00AM

Cloudy skies over ALXnow editor's apartment (staff photo by Vernon Miles)

This afternoon could see several rounds of rain showers and thunderstorms — enough that the National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for Alexandria and neighboring localities.

Alexandria, along with Fairfax, Arlington and other part of the region, are under a Flood Watch scheduled to start at noon today and continue through this evening.

Construction starting this month on Rosemont flood mitigation project

By Vernon Miles

Published June 5, 2024 at 9:50AM

Oakland Terrace-Timber Branch Channel Wall (image via City of Alexandria)

Alexandria’s worked on some high-tech flood mitigation projects, but sometimes the old ways are best.

The city is starting work this month on a project to replace a concrete retaining wall in Rosemont with a reinforced vegetated wall, a replacement that should not only benefit the local ecosystem, but help protect a nearby sewer line.

Notes: First Annual Alexandria Country Music Festival planned for next weekend

By ALXnow.com

Published June 5, 2024 at 9:00AM

Good Wednesday morning, Alexandria!

⛈️ Today’s weather: Expect showers and potential thunderstorms, with a high near 83 and southeast winds at 5 to 8 mph. Rainfall amounts may range from a tenth to a quarter of an inch, with higher amounts in thunderstorms. Nighttime brings continued showers and storms, a low around 71, south winds at 7 mph, and quarter to half an inch of additional rainfall possible. Both day and night have an 80% chance of precipitation.

Suspect admits to shooting man who ‘grabbed’ his girlfriend in Arlandria

By James Cullum

Published June 4, 2024 at 3:30PM

A man was arrested for allegedly shooting another man in the knee on Sunday, May 19, 2024, in the 3800 block of Executive Avenue in the city's Arlandria neighborhood (via Google Maps)

The suspect in an Arlandria shooting told the Alexandria Police Department that he was acting out of retaliation after the man he allegedly shot grabbed his girlfriend’s arm, according to recently released court records.

Jason Allen Johnson, Jr., 21, is being held without bond after allegedly shooting a man in the knee near an apartment complex in the 3800 block of Executive Avenue on the afternoon of Sunday, May 19.

Developer wants three-year extension to finish mixed-use project on Eisenhower Avenue

By James Cullum

Published June 4, 2024 at 2:30PM

The mixed-use Rushmark Eisenhower South Tower project at 2921 Eisenhower Avenue is the bottom building in this rendering (via City of Alexandria)

The owner of a nine-acre property says that their mixed-use development on Eisenhower Avenue was held up by the pandemic, and is asking the city for a three-year extension.

The development special use permit (DSUP) on the property at 2927 Eisenhower Avenue expires later this month.

Port City Brewing Company hosting Pride market and drag show next weekend

By Vernon Miles

Published June 4, 2024 at 1:30PM

Priday Market at Port City (image via Port City Brewing Company)

Other than Halloween and maybe the winter holidays, Pride Month is maybe the holiday season Alexandria goes most all-out for.

Local favorite Port City Brewing Company is getting in on the action too with Priday Market and Drag Show next weekend.

Alexandria rolls out Juneteenth celebrations this month

By Vernon Miles

Published June 4, 2024 at 11:15AM

Alexandria City Hall was lit up for the weekend of Juneteenth 2021. (photo via Carol Jean Stalun Photography for Visit Alexandria)

Along with Pride Month celebrations, the City of Alexandria is also hosting a series of events celebrating Juneteenth, the annual holiday on June 19 that observes the emancipation of enslaved Black Americans.

Juneteenth marks the day in 1865 when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and officially proclaimed freedom for the remaining enslaved people in the state.

Alexandria plants 100 new trees to celebrate city’s birthday

By Vernon Miles

Published June 4, 2024 at 9:30AM | Updated June 4, 2024 at 2:01PM

Map of planned tree plantings in Alexandria for the birthday project (image via City of Alexandria)

If you haven’t heard, this is the city’s 275th birthday, and the city is giving itself 275 new trees to celebrate.

One of the projects from the Department of Transportation and Environmental Services Stormwater Management Division aims to plant 275 new trees throughout the city to celebrate that birthday. This weekend, the city hit a milestone with the planting of the 100th tree.

Notes: Memorial ride planned this week for Alexandria cyclist killed in Maryland crash

By ALXnow.com

Published June 4, 2024 at 9:05AM

Police car lights (file photo)

Good Tuesday morning, Alexandria!

🌤️ Today’s weather: Expect a mostly sunny day with a high around 87 and light variable winds turning east at 5 to 7 mph in the morning. On Tuesday night, there’s a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2am and a low of around 67. The southeast wind will be 5 to 8 mph, with a 20% chance of precipitation.