News | ALXnow - Part 621

Proposed lot development divides Planning Commission over how uniform Del Ray should be

Published April 14, 2022 at 3:45PM | Updated April 15, 2022 at 10:05AM

Proposed lot change at 105 and 107 East Randolph Avenue, image via City of Alexandria

(Updated 4/15) What on paper might seem like a relatively commonplace resubdivision in Del Ray sparked a broader conversation at the Planning Commission over how uniform the historic neighborhood’s subdivisions should be.

The requested change (item 7) to 105 and 107 East Randolph Avenue was relatively small: increasing the square footage of one lot on Randolph Avenue from 8,250 square feet to 8,828 square feet by taking a portion of the backyard from another lot — both obviously with the same owner.

Demolition of Landmark Mall will start in early May

By James Cullum

Published April 14, 2022 at 2:15PM | Updated April 14, 2022 at 3:03PM

As seen outside Landmark Mall, February 2022. (staff photo by James Cullum)

The time for farewells is almost up, as the demolition of Landmark Mall starts early next month.

It will take about a week for contractors to relocate the Landmark Mall Transit Center to the northeastern portion of the massive property, followed by site fencing the final week in April and demolition at the beginning of the month — although no exact date has been released on exactly what day walls will start coming down.

DASH bus ridership rebounds in Alexandria

By Vernon Miles

Published April 14, 2022 at 1:20PM

Electric DASH bus, photo via DASH/Facebook

The Alexandria bus system has seen a significant uptick in ridership over the last few months, thanks in part to the new fare-free policy, changes to the DASH network and declining Covid numbers.

DASH said ridership hit nearly 300,000 total boardings in March, a 73% increase over ridership in August before the change to the new network. Ridership dipped significantly in January during the Omicron variant.

Woman robbed on Lynhaven Drive near Potomac Yard

By James Cullum

Published April 14, 2022 at 10:45AM

Alexandria Police at night (staff photo by James Cullum)

A 22-year-old woman was robbed of cash and personal items by multiple people in the early morning hours of April 8 (Friday) in the 200 block of Lynhaven Drive, according to Alexandria Police.

The woman was not injured and there have been no arrests. There have been no arrests and police would not say whether the suspects had weapons.

Adoptable pooches Josie and Jane do everything together

By James Cullum

Published April 14, 2022 at 9:45AM

Josie and Jane like to take things slow, and the 10-year-old female boxer mixes do everything together.

The adoption fees for the bonded pair have been paid by a generous donor.

Morning Notes

By ALXnow.com

Published April 14, 2022 at 5:00AM

Scenes from Old Town as a storm front bringing rain and high winds moves through the region in March 2022 (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Where are the best bike trails in NoVa? — “Dust off the bike and enjoy a leisurely bike ride down some of the region’s most interesting trails.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]

It’s Thursday — Rain in the evening. High of 76 and low of 59. Sunrise at 6:34 am and sunset at 7:45 pm. [Weather.gov]

Maryland man indicted on involuntary manslaughters for November pedestrian death

By Vernon Miles

Published April 13, 2022 at 3:45PM

Fredy Ortiz Dominguez, charged with involuntary manslaughter, photo courtesy Alexandria Sheriff's Office

On Monday, a grand jury indicted 46-year-old Hyattsville resident Fredy Ortiz Dominguez on charges related to the death of Roy Saravia Alvarez last November.

Dominguez allegedly struck and killed Alvarez at the intersection of West Glebe Road and Mount Vernon Avenue at around 8:10 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021.

New ordinance could take Arlandria and Old Town developments to new heights

By Vernon Miles

Published April 13, 2022 at 3:00PM

A map of where in Alexandria additional height is likely to be traded for affordable housing units, image via City of Alexandria

The city government could be opening up new swaths of Alexandria to taller buildings and more affordable housing.

Currently, the city trades bonus density in developments for more affordable housing, but only in areas with a height limit of 50 feet or above. Developers are allowed to exceed established height limits to a degree in exchange for affordable housing units or an equivalent contribution to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund.

JUST IN: Man indicted for murder of neighbor in West End apartment

By James Cullum

Published April 13, 2022 at 1:00PM

An Alexandria police cruiser (Staff photo by James Cullum)

David Jasante Cunningham was formally indicted on Monday (April 11) for the murder of Melia Jones in her West End apartment last December, and has also been charged with two counts of object sexual penetration.

The 40-year-old has been held without bond in the William G. Truesdale Adult Detention Center since his Jan. 11 arrest. Jones, who was described as a having a “gentle and sweet spirit” in her obituary, was killed by asphyxiation, according to the office of Commonwealth’s Attorney Bryan Porter.

Guide to Alexandria businesses and events fundraising for Ukraine

By Vernon Miles

Published April 13, 2022 at 10:50AM | Updated April 13, 2022 at 2:44PM

As the war in Ukraine drags on, Visit Alexandria has put together a roundup of how locals can help contribute to the Ukrainian people.

In neighboring Arlington, the county has already donated ballistic vests and firefighting gear. In Alexandria, local businesses are hosting events to raise funds for non-profits assisting Ukraine.

Driver charged with hit-and-run, drugs charges after allegedly crashing into pole on Janneys Lane

By James Cullum

Published April 13, 2022 at 9:45AM

Alexandria Police lights (staff photo by James Cullum)

A 35-year-old Richmond man faces serious charges after allegedly crashing a car into a pole in the 1000 block of Janneys Lane.

The incident occurred at around 10:45 p.m. on April 2 (Saturday), and the driver was found hiding from police two blocks away. The man told police that he was hiding because he was scared, according to a search warrant affidavit.