News | ALXnow - Part 537

ALXnow’s top stories this week in Alexandria

Published February 3, 2023 at 3:30PM

The base of the Appomattox statue is now located at Bethel Cemetery in the Wilkes Cemetery Complex (staff photo by James Cullum)

The long and tangled history of the Appomattox statue that once stood at the intersection of S. Washington Street and Prince Street took another turn this week as ALXnow learned the base had been installed in a Carlyle-area cemetery.

The statue had been removed in 2020 after years of debate over its presence. While some neighbors have expressed misgivings at the base’s new home above Confederate graves in the Bethel Cemetery not far from historic Black cemeteries, the new location is on private property and the cemetery’s owner said he’d like to see the statue reinstalled there.

Pilot for metal detectors in schools approved by Alexandria School Board

By James Cullum

Published February 3, 2023 at 1:30PM | Updated February 3, 2023 at 2:23PM

Advanced metal detectors will be used for a pilot program in two Alexandria City Public Schools locations as part of a pilot program (via ACPS)

Two Alexandria City Public Schools will be getting metal detectors before the end of this school year.

On Thursday night, the School Board voted 7-0 (Board Chair Meagan Alderton and Member Christopher Harris were not present) to approve the process for “advanced weapons abatement technology” to go into operation at two unnamed ACPS schools in May.

Where to get Girl Scout cookies around Alexandria

By Vernon Miles

Published February 3, 2023 at 11:20AM

Samoas artwork (image via Girl Scouts Nation's Capital/Facebook)

It’s that time of year: Girl Scout cookies are back in season.

Cookie both sales are starting to pop up around Alexandria starting today. You could chance stumbling across one, but if you want to be more methodical, here’s a list of Girl Scout cookie stands around Alexandria for the next two weeks.

Notes: New study explores increased bus service across Woodrow Wilson Bridge

By Vernon Miles

Published February 3, 2023 at 8:40AM

The Woodrow Wilson Bridge at sunset (Staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Good Friday morning, Alexandria!

⛅ Today’s weather: Partly cloudy throughout the day. High of 41 and low of 18.
🌤 Tomorrow: Clear throughout the day. High of 36 and low of 18. Sunrise at 7:13 am and sunset at 5:33 pm.

The base of the Appomattox statue has resurfaced atop Confederate graves in Alexandria

By James Cullum

Published February 2, 2023 at 3:55PM | Updated February 2, 2023 at 4:46PM

The base of the Appomattox statue is now located at Bethel Cemetery in the Wilkes Cemetery Complex (staff photo by James Cullum)

The base of the Appomattox statue has resurfaced atop Confederate graves in Alexandria.

More than two years ago, the Appomattox statue was removed from Old Town by the United Daughters of the Confederacy (UDC). The base was moved into Bethel Cemetery last summer, while the statute itself reportedly remains in storage.

JUST IN: Alexandria City High School evacuated for second day in a row due to bomb threats

By Vernon Miles

Published February 2, 2023 at 3:20PM

The Alexandria City High School marquee (staff photo by James Cullum)

Alexandria City High School (ACHS) was evacuated in response to a bomb threat earlier today, the second day in a row that bomb threats have forced a school evacuation.

The school was evacuated at 2:25 p.m. today, though students were already dismissed earlier at 1:15 p.m. for parent-teacher conferences.

New regional plan offers significant steps to boost affordable housing in Alexandria

By Vernon Miles

Published February 2, 2023 at 1:45PM | Updated February 2, 2023 at 4:02PM

A rendering of Wesley Housing's affordable housing project ParcView II at 5380 Holmes Run Parkway. (Via Wesley Housing)

(Updated 4 p.m) Alexandria and several other localities have released an executive summary for a Regional Fair Housing Plan that not only provides some goals for housing but comes with a look at specific zoning changes that can be made to help get the region to those goals.

The plan was put together by a team comprising representatives from eight localities, including Alexandria, along with a few partner groups. A 60-day public comment period is scheduled to run through March 31 to allow locals to submit their thoughts on the plan.

Police: Lanes closed on South Washington Street due to oil spill

By ALXnow.com

Published February 2, 2023 at 12:30PM

City agencies clean an oil spill on S. Washington Street (staff photo by James Cullum)

A section of South Washington Street has been closed as the Alexandria Police Department (APD) and other city agencies respond to an oil spill.

There are temporary lane closures around the 600 block of South Washington Street as officials work to clean up the spill.

Two Alexandria restaurants featured on Washingtonian’s ‘Very Best’ list

By Vernon Miles

Published February 2, 2023 at 10:50AM

Dish at Nasime Japanese Restaurant (via Nasime Japanese Restaurant/Facebook)

(Updated 10:55 a.m.) The 100 Very Best Restaurant list is back from Washingtonian and it features two Alexandria spots.

The list, formerly limited only to sit-down restaurants, now includes carryout, pop-ups and food trucks. Both Alexandria locations, though, are restaurants in the traditional sense.

Notes: New comfort food and cocktail spot RailBird Kitchen opens in Braddock neighborhood

By ALXnow.com

Published February 2, 2023 at 8:40AM | Updated February 6, 2023 at 8:42AM

Food at RailBird Kitchen (image via RailBird Kitchen/Facebook)

Good Thursday morning, Alexandria!

RailBird Kitchen, the newest restaurant at 804 N. Henry Street next to speakeasy Captain Gregory’s, is now open, Alexandria Living Magazine first reported.

Petitions launched for and against ABC Virginia opening new store in Old Town

By James Cullum

Published February 1, 2023 at 3:30PM

ABC Virginia is considering a new location at 825 S. Washington Street in Old Town (staff photo by James Cullum)

More than 200 people have signed a petition against ABC Virginia opening a new location on S. Washington Street in Old Town. At the same time, another Change.org petition has gotten about 75 signatures in support of the new liquor store.

A Change.org petition from “Southwest Quadrant Neighbors” has garnered more than 200 signatures, with petitioners complaining that the location at 825 S. Washington Street is “ill-suited as it is located in the middle of a tight-knit residential neighborhood, close to several schools and family and child-oriented establishments, and is without dedicated parking for ABC to secure.”