News | ALXnow - Part 644

Metro derailment in Alexandria among safety lapses outlined in scathing audit of transit system

Published April 7, 2022 at 2:15PM

A Metro train headed toward the Van Dorn Metro station (staff photo by James Cullum)

A six-car Metrorail train hit a contractor work unit and derailed in the Alexandria Rail Yard in 2020 because an interlocking train operator was watching a movie trailer on an electronic device.

There were no injuries, but the February 10, 2020, incident is included in a scathing audit of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority by the Washington Metropolitan Safety Commission, which found “a culture that accepts noncompliance with written operational rules, instructions, and manuals.”

New Eisenhower residential development headed to Planning Commission

By Vernon Miles

Published April 7, 2022 at 1:30PM

2121 Eisenhower proposal, image via SK+I Architecture

The reshaping of Eisenhower is continuing with a new proposal to convert the office buildings at 2111 and 2121 Eisenhower Avenue into a new residential development called 2121 Eisenhower Avenue.

MidAtlantic Realty Partners LLC is scheduled to apply for a development special use permit and other permits at the May 3 Planning Commisison meeting.

City Council moves new King Street pedestrian zone forward

By Vernon Miles

Published April 7, 2022 at 10:45AM | Updated April 7, 2022 at 7:51PM

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

Updated 7:45 p.m. — Christopher Ziemann, division chief for Department of Transportation & Environmental Services, said in an email:

What City Council approved last night was not the pedestrian zone directly. This requires an ordinance change, which requires a public hearing. That Council approved last night was the first reading of the item and to set it for public hearing on April 23. On the 23rd, there will be a public hearing on the topic, which will most likely involve a presentation, discussion, questions and public comments.

Adoption fees are covered for adoptable terrier Delilah in Alexandria

By James Cullum

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.