News | ALXnow - Part 540

Director of T&ES: There’s ‘no intent’ to use eminent domain for Duke Street changes

Published November 28, 2022 at 3:00PM | Updated November 29, 2022 at 12:33PM

Duke Street near Landmark and Cameron Run (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Alexandria is planning for a transit-oriented overhaul of Duke Street, and city staff connected to the project told an advisory group earlier this month that rumors about eminent domain being used for the project are inaccurate.

Yon Lambert, the director of the Department of Transportation and Environmental Services (T&ES), told the Duke Street in Motion Advisory Group that public concerns about eminent domain being invoked to acquire right of way for the Duke Street changes is at least premature if not unfounded.

Here’s your guide to Alexandria’s Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend

By James Cullum

Published November 28, 2022 at 1:05PM | Updated December 1, 2022 at 1:50PM

Firestorm Clan marches at the 50th annual Scottish Christmas Walk Parade in Old Town, Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021. (staff photo by James Cullum)

Got your kilt ready? Alexandria’s Scottish Christmas Walk weekend is back.

Former City Councilwoman Del Pepper will take center stage as the grand Marshal of the 51st Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade. Record crowds are expected for the parade, which is free to the public and features dozens of Scottish clans, dancers, bagpipers and the City of Alexandria Pipes and Drums.

New townhouse development joins surge of development near(ish) former Landmark Mall

By Vernon Miles

Published November 28, 2022 at 11:00AM

6336 Stevenson Avenue (image via Google Maps)

A new seven-townhouse development could be coming to a West End lot between I-395 and Stevenson Park.

The development, though much smaller than other nearby proposals, is part of a buzz of activity near the former Landmark Mall site — about three blocks east of 6336 Stevenson Avenue. The former mall site is being gradually rebuilt as a mixed-use development and hospital.

Agenda Alexandria discussion will focus on city’s challenges with open space

By James Cullum

Published November 28, 2022 at 9:45AM

At only 15 square miles, Alexandria’s open space is in relatively short supply.

On Monday (Nov. 28), city leaders and experts will take the stage with Agenda Alexandria to discuss the city’s goal of increasing the city’s open space from 7.3 acres to 7.5 acres for every 1,000 residents.

Morning Notes

By ALXnow.com

Published November 28, 2022 at 5:00AM

Mars Rodeo plays at the Del Ray Halloween Parade on Sunday, October 30, 2022. (staff photo by James Cullum)

Where To Buy Or Cut Your Own Fresh Christmas Tree In Alexandria — “As the holiday season begins, here’s where to find a Christmas tree in and around Alexandria in 2022.” [Patch]

It’s Monday — Mostly cloudy throughout the day. High of 54 and low of 41. Sunrise at 7:07 am and sunset at 4:49 pm. [Weather.gov]

D.C.-based catering company moving to Eisenhower Valley

By Vernon Miles

Published November 23, 2022 at 3:30PM

Mindy's Catering (image via Mindy's Catering/Instagram)

Mindy’s Catering, a catering company based out of the Berkley neighborhood in D.C., is moving to an industrial park just across the street from the Victory Center.

A special use permit filed with the City of Alexandria said the company aims to move into 4942-C Eisenhower Avenue. The permit says the Eisenhower location will serve as an off-premise catering prep kitchen for the company.

Adoption fees waved for senior cat ‘Callie’ in Alexandria

By James Cullum

Published November 23, 2022 at 2:30PM

Zen kitty Callie is looking for a new home in Alexandria.

The 13-year-old female domestic longhaired brown and gray tabby cat is up for adoption with the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria.

Alexandria Police to get significant raise after reaching collective bargaining agreement

By James Cullum

Published November 23, 2022 at 1:30PM | Updated November 30, 2022 at 12:54PM

Mayor Justin Wilson (on right) shakes hands with Damon Minnix, president of the Alexandria chapter of the Southern States Police Benevolent Association, after coming to a collective bargaining agreement on Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2022. (Via City of Alexandria)

The Alexandria City Council unanimously approved a collective bargaining agreement with the Southern States Police Benevolent Association, ushering in a new era of collaboration with city employees.

If likely approved in the fiscal year 2024 budget this May, the agreement means substantial pay increases for new officers, sergeants and lieutenants. The current base salary of $54,698 for an officer would be increased by 11% to $61,503 at the beginning of the next fiscal year, July 1, 2023. After next year, salaries for officers would increase 2% annually.

Alexandria City Council will consider raising taxes in upcoming budget

By James Cullum

Published November 23, 2022 at 11:30AM

Alexandria City Hall sign (staff Photo by Jay Westcott)

Facing inflation, a $17 million budget shortfall and fewer federal economic recovery funds, the Alexandria City Council will consider a tax increase in its upcoming fiscal year 2024 budget.

City Manager Jim Parajon has been tasked with presenting Council with two budget alternatives — one with a tax increase and another without.

Owners hope to convert office buildings in the heart of Old Town to new residential units

By Vernon Miles

Published November 23, 2022 at 10:55AM

1225 and 1229 King Street (image via Google Maps)

In what’s become a trend in Alexandria, the owners of an office and retail building in Old Town are hoping to have the upstairs space converted to residential units.

The buildings in question are 1225 and 1229 King Street, the buildings containing American in Paris Boutique and the T-Mobile store on the street level in the middle of Old Town.

Morning Notes

By ALXnow.com

Published November 23, 2022 at 5:00AM

Sunset in the West End (staff photo by Vernon Miles)

Alexandria City Council approves funding for increased police pay — here’s how much — “The Alexandria City Council unanimously approved a resolution to fund a new collective bargaining agreement with its police department Tuesday night, in a move to help with staffing shortages.” [WJLA]

Thanksgiving Grocery Store Hours — “For the Thanksgiving holiday, some stores around Alexandria will be closed, and others have limited hours.” [Patch]