News | ALXnow - Part 624

Adoption fees are covered for adoptable terrier Delilah in Alexandria

Published April 7, 2022 at 9:55AM

Delilah is up for adoption with the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria. (Via AWLA)

Delilah loves to play fetch more than anything. The three-year-old terrier mix is up for adoption with the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria, and her adoption fees have been pre-paid by a generous donor.

“Delilah is a clever girl who has learned Sit, as well as Drop It (which goes great with her Fetch skills), and she’s pretty sure she has the brains to master several more skills,” AWLA spokesperson Gina Hardter told ALXnow. “Delilah’s favorite activity in the whole world is Fetch, which she would be happy to play all day long with the right best friend. She’d also be open to exploring more active endeavors like running or hiking.”

Morning Notes

By ALXnow.com

Published April 7, 2022 at 5:00AM

Vision Zero doesn’t get state-level support — “Virginia legislators tabled a bill during the regular General Assembly session that pledged to end roadway fatalities.” [ABC]

It’s Thursday — Rain until evening. High of 57 and low of 48. Sunrise at 6:44 am and sunset at 7:39 pm. [Weather.gov]

Alexandria gets into water fight with Virginia American Water over rate increase

By James Cullum

Published April 6, 2022 at 2:30PM | Updated April 6, 2022 at 5:46PM

Tap water in Alexandria (staff photo by James Cullum)

Alexandria will argue against a rate hike by Virginia American Water, even though the increase will go into effect on May 1.

The average water bill in Alexandria will go up about $94 per year, which the utility says covers infrastructure upgrades cross Virginia, including the replacement of a 3,800-foot-long water main in Alexandria that was installed in the 1950s.

Taco Bamba planning to open in Lincolnia later this month

By Vernon Miles

Published April 6, 2022 at 1:30PM

Image courtesy Taco Bamba

After missing a fall 2021 target for opening, regional taco chain Taco Bamba is planning to open later this month in the Landmark neighborhood.

The Taco Bamba is planned to open on Wednesday, April 20, at 6259 Little River Turnpike, on the west side of I-395 in the Lincolnia neighborhood — inside Alexandria’s boundaries by a hair’s breadth.

Palestinian American writer Zeina Azzam chosen as Alexandria’s next poet laureate

By James Cullum

Published April 6, 2022 at 11:00AM

Zeina Azzam is Alexandria's next Poet Laureate. (Via Zoom)

Palestinian American Zina Azzam has been chosen as Alexandria’s poet laureate, and will take over the post filled three years ago by KaNikki Jakarta, who was honored with a proclamation on Tuesday night (April 5).

“I’m really delighted to be here and to I’m really honored to have this position,” Azzam told the Alexandria City Council. “I’ve got big shoes to fill and I’m really looking forward to it.”

Battle of the Bulge survivor celebrates 100th birthday outside City Hall

By Vernon Miles

Published April 6, 2022 at 10:00AM | Updated April 6, 2022 at 11:07AM

Friends and city officials gathered outside City Hall yesterday to celebrate one of Alexandria’s most storied centenarians: J. David Bailey, the oldest surviving veteran of the Battle of the Bulge.

Bailey, who turned 100 on January 3, was 22 when he was deployed to the European theater with the 422nd Regiment of the 106th Infantry Division. His battalion was captured by German troops while en route to St. Vith, Belgium, on Dec. 16, 1944. Bailey later escaped captivity and eventually appeared on the cover of the victory edition of Stars and Stripes.

Morning Notes

By ALXnow.com

Published April 6, 2022 at 5:00AM

The Covanta Waste-to-Energy Facility at 5301 Eisenhower Avenue. (staff photo by James Cullum)

Deadline this month for Torpedo Factory studios — “Applications are still open to apply for studio space, solo or in a group of up to 4.” [Twitter]

It’s Wednesday — Light rain in the morning and overnight. High of 64 and low of 53. Sunrise at 6:46 am and sunset at 7:38 pm. [Weather.gov]

City grapples with potentially competing affordable housing and arts needs in Old Town North

By Vernon Miles

Published April 5, 2022 at 3:45PM | Updated April 5, 2022 at 7:19PM

(Updated 7:15 p.m.) For a while now, there’s been a fairly straightforward trade between the City of Alexandria and developers: if you want more density, you need to build affordable residential units.

New development in Old Town North, however, has thrown a wrinkle into that system by opening up a second option. Now, developers can also get bonus density by opening up sections of new development to arts use — part of the city’s efforts to establish Old Town North as an arts district.

Retired Sheriff Dana Lawhorne honored for career in law enforcement

By James Cullum

Published April 5, 2022 at 2:30PM | Updated April 5, 2022 at 7:39PM

Former Alexandria Sheriff Dana Lawhorne speaks at a retirement ceremony in his honor at First Baptist Church of Alexandria, April 5, 2022. (staff photo by James Cullum)

There were a few tears and lots of laughs as former Alexandria Sheriff Dana Lawhorne was honored for his career in law enforcement on April 5 (Tuesday).

“I do not know where I would be without the kindness of others,” Lawhorne told friends, family and former law enforcement colleagues packed in Fellowship Hall at the First baptist Church of Alexandria (2932 King Street).

City announces dredging plans for Four Mile Run

By Vernon Miles

Published April 5, 2022 at 1:30PM | Updated April 5, 2022 at 7:25PM

(Updated 7:25 p.m.) While there are still some issues with infrastructure over Four Mile Run, Alexandria and Arlington are moving forward with a project to clean out what’s under it.

In a recent newsletter about flooding infrastructure, the city announced an upcoming meeting to discuss the particulars of a dredging project in Four Mile Run.

D.C. man charged with assault and battery after brawl at William Ramsay Recreation Center

By James Cullum

Published April 5, 2022 at 10:45AM

Alexandria Police at night (staff photo by James Cullum)

A 25-year-old Washington, D.C. man was arrested on March 26 (Saturday) after an assault by mob at William Ramsay Recreation Center (5650 Sanger Avenue).

At around 9:15 p.m., the city’s Department of Emergency Communications got a call of multiple males fighting in the gym of the West End recreation center. When police arrived, a white Chrysler Sebring with Virginia tags attempted to drive away from the scene at “a high rate of speed,” according to a search warrant affidavit. Responding officers blocked the Sebring’s exit and its occupants were detained and questioned.