News | ALXnow - Part 590

Alexandria looks to bicycles and boats to help replace Metro during shutdown

Published August 31, 2022 at 1:30PM

While buses and trains are centerstage in efforts to replace Metro during an extended closure planned through earlier next year, Alexandria is also looking to bicycles and boats to help make up the difference.

Alexandria will be cut off from the rest of the Metro system from Sept. 10 to Oct. 22 as WMATA works to bring the Potomac Yard Metro station in line with the rest of the system. Then, from September through spring 2023, the Yellow Line Tunnel connecting Pentagon and L’Enfant Plaza stations will be closed for repairs, forcing Alexandria commuters to loop up into D.C. through the Blue Line.

Upcoming symposium at The Lyceum to discuss global impact of Revolutionary War

By James Cullum

Published August 31, 2022 at 11:00AM

George Washington marches in the George Washington Birthday Parade in Old Town, Feb. 21, 2022. (staff photo by James Cullum)

Alexandria has been a hangout for revolutionaries going back hundreds of years.

On Saturday, September 24, the Office of Historic Alexandria (OHA) and Emerging Revolutionary War will host a Revolutionary War symposium discussing how the outcome of the war (fought between 1775 and 1783) transformed governments around the world.

‘Show your spirit’ at this upcoming First Thursday event in Del Ray

By James Cullum

Published August 31, 2022 at 9:30AM

Who’s your hero? On Thursday (September 1) Visit Del Ray will host the annual “Show Your Spirit” celebration at Pat Miller Square on Mount Vernon Avenue.

The first Thursday event runs from 6 p.m. to dusk, and includes themed activities and the band Stop Thief! Revelers are asked to wear clothing that their heroes wear, or that inspire them — from pro athlete jerseys to school colors.

Morning Notes

By ALXnow.com

Published August 31, 2022 at 5:00AM

Leaves on the sidewalk in Old Town North (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

On-Street Parking Rates in Old Town to Increase Friday — “The higher price for on-street parking in parts of Old Town starts just in time for Labor Day Weekend.” [Alexandria Living Magazine]

It’s Wednesday — Clear throughout the day. High of 81 and low of 68. Sunrise at 6:38 am and sunset at 7:42 pm. [Weather.gov]

JUST IN: Man dies in ‘industrial accident’ in Carlyle area

By James Cullum

Published August 30, 2022 at 4:55PM | Updated September 1, 2022 at 5:28PM

Updated at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 1: A man fell to his death off a roof of an apartment building on Tuesday afternoon, according to the Alexandria Police Department.

The incident occurred at around 3 p.m. near the intersection of Mill Road and Dock Lane — at the four-story Carlyle Mill Apartments complex.

City leaders hosting ‘listening session’ for city and school concerns

By Vernon Miles

Published August 30, 2022 at 3:50PM

Alexandria Councilman Canek Aguirre

An Alexandria City Council member and School Board member have announced plans for a “community listening session” to get public input on the state of the city and schools.

The meeting is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 10, at 10:30 a.m. in the Beatley Library (5005 Duke Street).

Alexandria Police arrest robbery suspect in Landmark area

By James Cullum

Published August 30, 2022 at 2:15PM

A 28-year-old man is behind bars after allegedly assaulting and robbing a man of his phone behind the Plaza at Landmark shopping center on Saturday (August 27).

The incident occurred in the 200 block of N. Breckinridge Place.

City of Alexandria collecting public feedback on new King Street pedestrian zone

By Vernon Miles

Published August 30, 2022 at 1:30PM

Rendering of the unit block of King Street with street closure (via City of Alexandria)

As the city approaches the end of a pilot program that saw the waterfront block of King Street converted into a pedestrian zone, the City of Alexandria is looking for public feedback on the pilot.

The conversion of the unit block of King Street (the start of the street east of Union Street) and the Strand started on Memorial Day weekend and is scheduled to run through Labor Day weekend early next month.

Neighbors appeal Polk Avenue sidewalk decision to City Council

By Vernon Miles

Published August 30, 2022 at 11:00AM

Rendering of new Polk Avenue sidewalk (image via City of Alexandria)

One month after the Traffic and Parking Board unanimously approved a new sidewalk along Polk Avenue, neighbors in opposition to the project are appealing the decision.

The city’s plan is to build a new sidewalk connecting two dead-end parts of sidewalk at either end of the bottom of Polk Park. The park’s thick undergrowth comes right up to the road, where the side of that road is used as a stretch of parking for nine vehicles.

Joseph Hensley Park upgrades headed to Planning Commission

By Vernon Miles

Published August 30, 2022 at 9:45AM

Hensley Park concept plan (image via City of Alexandria)

Joseph Hensley Park (4200 Eisenhower Avenue) is slated to get some major upgrades to the athletic fields benefitting not only park users, but neighboring car windows.

The park is set to get a ring of 30-foot netting and fencing around the park alongside a renovation of the park. Those plans are headed to the Planning Commission for review on Tuesday, Sept. 6.

Morning Notes

By ALXnow.com

Published August 30, 2022 at 5:00AM | Updated August 30, 2022 at 11:42AM

Alexandria Man Drowns in Virginia Beach — “The United Stated Coast Guard has suspended their search for a missing man in Virginia Beach after he was found and pronounced dead.” [WAVY]

It’s Tuesday — Possible light rain in the evening. High of 89 and low of 73. Sunrise at 6:37 am and sunset at 7:44 pm. [Weather.gov]