News | ALXnow - Part 450

Despite flurry of new apartments, experts say Alexandria has a housing shortage

Published August 30, 2023 at 11:15AM

Marion M. McFadden, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Community Planning and Development, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (image via City of Alexandria)

The bottom line at a panel on housing last night: housing is unaffordable in Alexandria and likely won’t get cheaper without more construction.

Last night, the City of Alexandria hosted a panel of experts to discuss the state of housing in the city — from a look back at the evolution of the city’s zoning code to projections and trends in the housing market. The panel is part of the city’s ongoing Zoning for Housing/Housing for All project, which aims to reshape zoning in the city to be more accessible, affordable and available.

No bond for Alexandria man who allegedly ditched gun on I-395 during police chase

By James Cullum

Published August 30, 2023 at 9:30AM

A man was arrested in May for a number of incidents including strangulation, eluding police, abduction, discharging a firearm in a public place and other charges (via Google Maps)

A 41-year-old Alexandria man is being held without bond after allegedly throwing away a handgun on Interstate 395 while eluding police.

The victim’s girlfriend called police on May 5 and reported that she was the victim of domestic assault and battery at her home in the 700 block of N. Ripley Street, according to a search warrant affidavit. The woman told police that her boyfriend threatened her and that he was known to carry a firearm.

Notes: Alexandria adds optional overdose response training to restaurant inspections

By ALXnow.com

Published August 30, 2023 at 8:40AM

Good Wednesday morning, Alexandria!

🌦️ Today’s weather: Expect isolated showers before 9am, followed by partly sunny skies and a high near 86°F, with a 20% chance of precipitation. Northwest winds will range from 7 to 11 mph. Wednesday night, the weather will be partly cloudy during the early evening, transitioning to cloudy skies, and a low around 64°F. A north wind at around 10 mph is also anticipated.

City celebrates Alexandria residents, businesses and organizations with a green thumb

By Vernon Miles

Published August 29, 2023 at 3:45PM | Updated September 8, 2023 at 11:08AM

3912 Taney Avenue, a winner of the 2023 Residential Beautification Award (image via City of Alexandria)

Homes, schools and businesses around Alexandria are being recognized for their work to make the city sparkle a little more.

On Monday, the Alexandria Beautification Commission announced the winners of the Residential Beautification Award, celebrating the creative use of non-invasive plants, native plants, landscape architecture and more.

Vehicle recovered after late-night West End thief takes keys and other items from home

By James Cullum

Published August 29, 2023 at 2:45PM

A Land Rover was stolen from the 5400 block of Taney Avenue in the West End on Monday, July 24, 2023 (via Google Maps)

After being stolen from a West End home and chased by police in a “dangerous” pursuit last month, a 2023 Land Rover has been recovered.

No arrest or injuries were reported in connection to the incident, which occurred on the morning of Monday, July 24. At around 7:30 a.m., the victim reported to the Alexandria Police Department that her kitchen window was open and the window screen was broken. Her purse and keys were gone and so was her recently purchased 2023 Land Rover, according to a recently released search warrant affidavit.

Six months in, Alexandria’s guaranteed income pilot is helping locals with the necessities

By Vernon Miles

Published August 29, 2023 at 1:45PM

Money on a table (staff photo via Vernon Miles/ALXnow)

Six months in, participants in a new guaranteed income pilot aren’t diving into pools of money; it’s just helping them tread water a little easier.

While there aren’t restrictions on what the money can be used for, Economic Mobility Program Officer Julie Mullen said most of the money distributed in the city’s ARISE Guaranteed Income Pilot is helping those in need with basic necessities.

Alexandria residents rally against controversial Zoning for Housing plan

By James Cullum

Published August 29, 2023 at 10:45AM

Roy Byrd, chair of the Coalition for a Livable Alexandria, speaks at a rally at City Hall on Aug. 28, 2023 (staff photo by James Cullum)

Dozens of protestors rallied against Alexandria’s zoning for housing plan in front of City Hall on Monday.

The rally was spearheaded by The Coalition for a Livable Alexandria, a group founded this year by residents to talk about complex issues. If approved, the zoning plan overhaul would reshape a number of zoning ordinances, including a bonus height amendment that incentivizes developers to add affordable housing to projects in exchange for two additional stories of construction in areas where height limits are 45 feet or more.

New Vietnamese coffee and boba tea spot in Old Town headed to city review next month

By Vernon Miles

Published August 29, 2023 at 9:45AM

Bloom Tea is coming to Old Town — provided it can make it through the city’s review process next month.

Owner Thao Uyen Than previously told ALXnow the new shop will focus on boba tea and Vietnamese coffee, but the opening date is dependent on the city review process.

Notes: Gov. Youngkin eyeing new abortion limitations for Virginia

By ALXnow.com

Published August 29, 2023 at 8:40AM

Pro and anti-abortion activists at Alexandria City Hall, June 28, 2022. (staff photo by James Cullum)

Good Tuesday morning, Alexandria!

🌦️ Today’s weather: Expect a chance of showers throughout the day, with thunderstorms possible between noon and 3pm. Patchy fog may occur before 10am, but mostly cloudy skies will persist with a high near 84°F and a northeast wind around 6 mph. Rain and thunderstorms are more likely Tuesday night, with a 70% chance of precipitation, a low near 70°F, and light winds. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half an inch are possible.

Police: Two Saturday shootings in Alexandria were unrelated

By Vernon Miles

Published August 28, 2023 at 5:00PM

Speedway station south of Old Town, scene of a reported shooting (staff photo by James Cullum)

The Alexandria Police Department (APD) said the two shootings on Saturday are believed to be unrelated.

Assistant Chief Easton McDonald said in a press conference this afternoon that the timing forced the police department to split its manpower.

Once a one-stop shop for model trains, Whistle Stop Toy & Hobby in Fairlington now caters to all hobbyists

By James Cullum

Published August 28, 2023 at 3:45PM | Updated September 1, 2023 at 5:54PM

Whistle Stop Toy & Hobby in Fairlington Centre (staff photo by James Cullum)

Frank Kozuch sits behind the counter Whistle Stop Toy & Hobby with the agreeable air of a man who’d rather talk than sell.

But, he tells ALXnow, sales right now are better than ever.