News | ALXnow - Part 368

What’s next for Potomac Yard and Old Town North?

Published August 28, 2024 at 4:15PM | Updated August 29, 2024 at 9:47AM

Alexandria Economic Development Partnership CEO Stephanie Landrum speaks at the announcement of a new arena for the Washington Wizards and Capitals in Potomac Yard in Alexandria, Dec. 13, 2023 (staff photo by James Cullum)

On the eve of an annual report on the city’s economy from the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership, ALXnow sat down with AEDP CEO Stephanie Landrum to discuss the future of development in three areas of the city: Carlyle, Potomac Yard and Old Town North, and the Landmark-Van Dorn corridor. These will be broken up into a multi-part series covering each location.

Potomac Yard and Old Town North are two of the major hubs of upcoming development in Alexandria, but some of the city’s ambitious plans for the neighborhoods have both hit stumbling blocks in recent years.

Local elected Democrats discuss how Harris housing plan would impact Alexandria

By Vernon Miles

Published August 28, 2024 at 2:55PM

City Council candidate John Taylor Chapman speaks at the ADC Straw Poll at Port City Brewing Company, April 14, 2024 (staff photo by James Cullum)

Alexandria Democratic leaders met today on a Zoom call to discuss proposals from Vice President Kamala Harris to address the housing crisis.

A lack of housing, particularly affordable housing, has been a major talking point in Alexandria for years. Last year, the City Council approved a suite of new zoning changes aimed at creating new housing, though those changes are still in a lengthy court battle.

Coke and Giant Food volunteers stuff 500 backpacks for Latino youth in Alexandria’s West End

By James Cullum

Published August 28, 2024 at 1:30PM

Giant Food and Coca-Cola Consolidated volunteers filled 500 snack packs with non-perishable food for the Latin American Youth Center in D.C., Aug. 28, 2024 (staff photo by James Cullum)

Dozens of volunteers stuffed 500 backpacks with food for local Latino youths at the Coca-Cola Consolidated facility (5401 Seminary Road) in Alexandria’s West End this morning.

Volunteers from Coke and Giant Food filled the bags with drinks, Rice Krispies Treats, Ritz crackers, apple sauce, cereal and more.

Alexandria nonprofit ALIVE! ‘Walkathon’ returns this fall

By Vernon Miles

Published August 28, 2024 at 11:05AM

ALIVE! Walkathon (photo via ALIVE!)

ALIVE!, an Alexandria nonprofit dedicated to providing housing, is bringing back its annual walkathon this fall to raise funding for neighbors in need.

The walkathon is scheduled to return on Sunday, Oct. 20. The walkathon is an optional 5k or five-mile walk through Alexandria starting at First Christian Church (2723 King Street). The walk is followed by snacks, live music and a raffle.

Two ‘multi-unit’ Mark Center developments to be unveiled next month

By James Cullum

Published August 28, 2024 at 9:45AM

The proposed apartment building at 1900 N. Beauregard Street (via City of Alexandria)

Two developments that could further transform Alexandria’s Mark Center area will be unveiled next month.

The Beauregard Design Advisory Committee will get a first glimpse on Sept. 9 of the multi-use developments at 1900 N. Beauregard Street and 4880 Mark Center Drive. The meeting will be held from 7 to 8 p.m. at Patrick Henry Recreation Center (4653 Taney Avenue).

Notes: Alexandria under Heat Advisory, Air Quality Alert and Hazardous Weather Outlook

By ALXnow.com

Published August 28, 2024 at 9:00AM

The Old Town Alexandria waterfront (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Good Wednesday morning, Alexandria!

☀️ Today’s weather: Expect a sunny and hot day with temperatures reaching close to 100 degrees and heat index values as high as 104, accompanied by a west wind blowing at 6 to 9 mph. As for tonight, there’s a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms, primarily before 2am, followed by partly cloudy skies and temperatures dropping to around 74 degrees. The west wind continues at about 7mph and shifts to a northerly direction after midnight.

What’s next for the Carlyle neighborhood after the Patent and Trademark Office downsizing?

By Vernon Miles

Published August 27, 2024 at 3:55PM | Updated August 27, 2024 at 4:51PM

The US Patent and Trademark Office in Alexandria (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

On the eve of an annual report on the city’s economy from the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership, ALXnow sat down with AEDP CEO Stephanie Landrum to discuss the future of development in three areas of the city: Carlyle, the Landmark-Van Dorn Corridor, and Potomac Yard. These will be broken up into a multi-part series covering each location.

The Carlyle neighborhood is in a tough spot.

Alexandria takes another look at trying to fix neglected Duke Street park

By Vernon Miles

Published August 27, 2024 at 2:05PM

John Ewald Park (image via RPCA)

A few years after looking for grants to revitalize John Ewald Park (4452 Duke Street), Alexandria is starting to put together plans to fix the somewhat neglected park.

The park still sees active use for its open field and basketball court, but few would argue the park is on par with other outdoor recreation areas around the city. In a release, the city said it’s seeking community feedback on recommendations to improve Ewald Park.

Charles Barrett Elementary School evacuated due to reports of smoke

By James Cullum and Vernon Miles

Published August 27, 2024 at 11:50AM | Updated August 27, 2024 at 12:16PM

Alexandria Fire Department at Charles Barrett Elementary School (staff photo by James Cullum)

Charles Barrett Elementary School in Arlandria evacuated earlier today due to smoke in the building, according to scanner traffic.

Around 11:26 a.m., the school was evacuated due to reports of smoke in the building. Around noon, the school was cleared for students to return to classes.

Here’s why Alexandria City Hall and Market Square will be illuminated by purple lights this weekend

By James Cullum

Published August 27, 2024 at 10:50AM

City Hall at Market Square is being lit purple at night (staff photo by James Cullum)

Alexandria’s City Hall and Market Square (301 King Street) will be illuminated by purple lights this weekend in recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day.

The lights will go on from Saturday, Aug. 29, until Sunday morning, Sept. 1, and the city says that the information on local overdoses and their impact on the Alexandria community will be displayed in the light show.

Alexandria bus network celebrating new ridership record with block party

By Vernon Miles

Published August 27, 2024 at 10:00AM | Updated August 27, 2024 at 11:35AM

A DASH bus in Old Town Alexandria (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Last year saw the highest DASH ridership in the bus service’s history. This year, DASH beat its own record.

DASH said on Twitter that the final ridership figure for FY 2024 was 5.3 million, up from 4.5 million last year, which in turn beat the network’s record of 4.3 million in 2015.