News | ALXnow - Part 650

Dominion Energy says it will invest millions in Alexandria to prevent future outages

Published March 23, 2022 at 1:15PM

Five months after a 16-hour power outage disrupted Del Ray’s Art On The Avenue festival, Dominion Energy says it will invest $17 million over the next three years to improve reliability in the city.

That was the gist of an hour-long update from Dominion to City Council Tuesday night (March 22), where Bill Murray, Dominion’s senior vice president of corporate affairs and communications, informed City Council that the energy giant plans on spending $3.4 million this year, $8.5 million in 2023 and $5.2 million in 2023 on 20 “incremental reliability investments” in areas affected by outages in Alexandria, and will begin planning with city staff next month.

Two juveniles arrested after shots fired in Arlandria

By James Cullum

Published March 23, 2022 at 10:45AM

Alexandria Police at night (staff photo by James Cullum)

Two Alexandria juveniles were arrested earlier this month for shooting a gun in Arlandria.

The incident occurred at around 11 p.m. in the 3800 block of Executive Avenue. Police were alerted by a witness that two juveniles shot a handgun in an alleyway and fled on foot. The witness saw the 15 and 17-year-old suspects then run into a nearby apartment building and the lights turn on in an apartment, according to a search warrant.

Alexandria hotel tailors stay to dogs as industry leans into pet-friendly accommodations

By Brandi Bottalico

Published March 23, 2022 at 9:45AM | Updated March 23, 2022 at 4:48PM

Hyatt Centric Old Town now has an option to spoil your pooch with its “Bark, it’s your Birthday!” package (courtesy of Nano Betts)

(updated at 4:45 p.m.) While more than half the hotels in Alexandria are pet-friendly, one hotel has added a package to go above and beyond for your furry friend.

The “Bark, it’s your Birthday!” package from Hyatt Centric Old Town Alexandria figuratively rolls out the red carpet for your pooch.

Morning Notes

By ALXnow.com

Published March 23, 2022 at 5:00AM

A magnolia tree in bloom in Old Town (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Historic Alexandria Surveys Museum-goers — “The staff at the Office of Historic Alexandria want to know how they can better support and engage residents in this year and beyond. To learn more, Alexandria’s museums are participating in a national survey of museum-goers sponsored by the American Alliance of Museums. This survey will provide data not only from Alexandria museum visitors, but also nationwide results for context.” [Alexandria Living Magazine]

Gen Z Renters Like Alexandria — “Alexandria ranks nationally in a new study on the most sought-after places for young apartment renters.” [Patch]

Alexandria police officer arrested, charged with domestic assault and battery

By Brandi Bottalico

Published March 22, 2022 at 5:20PM

Police car lights (file photo)

An Alexandria Police Department officer was arrested last week and charged with domestic assault and battery, according to an APD news release.

Police said the officer, 30-year-old Richard Haynes, is on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. The alleged incident occurred in the city on Nov. 27, 2021. The release did not provide more information.

City Council to receive update on stormwater infrastructure projects

By Brandi Bottalico

Published March 22, 2022 at 3:45PM

A construction crew installs a check valve on East Mason Street in November (via City of Alexandria)

City staff laid out what’s ahead for some of the city’s stormwater infrastructure projects in a presentation prepared for the City Council’s meeting tonight (Tuesday).

Three large projects to increase sewer capacity are planned in Del Ray, according to the Flood Action Alexandria presentation. Two of the projects — a $34 million undertaking at East Glebe Road and Commonwealth Avenue and a $16 million project at Ashby Street and East Glebe Road — were merged together for planning purposes. The two projects are next to each other in the Four Mile Run watershed.

Three men indicted after bystander shot in neck at West End 7-Eleven parking lot

By James Cullum

Published March 22, 2022 at 2:15PM

The 7-Eleven at 30 Reynolds Street (Staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Three men are facing years behind bars for the January shooting in a West End 7-Eleven parking lot that left a bystander shot in the neck.

On March 14, the Alexandria Grand Jury charged city residents Maurice Turner, 18, and Donovan Copeland, 20, and Fairfax County resident Damonte Martin, 21, with three felonies: malicious wounding, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, and maliciously shooting at an occupied vehicle.

Boutiques, restaurants and more businesses for sale in Alexandria

By James Cullum

Published March 22, 2022 at 1:00PM | Updated March 22, 2022 at 2:34PM

Thinking about going into business in the Alexandria area?

It can sometimes be easier to buy an existing business, and the latest listings on BizBuySell show all kinds of companies in and around the city.

Beautification Commission announces 2022 Alexandria Architecture Award winners

By Brandi Bottalico

Published March 22, 2022 at 10:50AM

Beaconcrest Homes and the owners of 128 and 128A East Walnut Street were among the 2022 winners (staff photo by Brandi Bottalico)

The Alexandria Beautification Commission announced its 2022 Alexandria Architecture Award winners Monday.

The commission asked for nominations and also toured the city looking for candidates that “speak to the character and future of the City, inspire others to enhance the beauty and architecture of their properties and help make Alexandria a creative, dynamic community.”

Alexandria man indicted on first-degree murder charge in BJ’s killing

By Brandi Bottalico

Published March 22, 2022 at 9:30AM

The Franklin P. Backus Courthouse at 520 King Street in Alexandria (staff photo by James Cullum)

A 33-year-old Alexandria resident has been indicted on a first-degree murder charge, a more serious charge than he was previously facing, in connection to a stabbing at BJ’s Wholesale Club in the Landmark area.

The indictment, which a Grand Jury returned March 14, charges Rakibul Islam Fakir on the one felony count of first-degree murder, which is punishable by life in prison, according to a news release from the Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney.

Morning Notes

By ALXnow.com

Published March 22, 2022 at 5:00AM

RBG’s Art, Memorabilia at Auction — “The Potomack Company auction house in Old Town Alexandria was selected to host the auctions. The Justice’s modern art collection is scheduled for April 27, followed by a session on April 28 with decorative arts and memento lots from both her Supreme Court chambers and Watergate residence in Washington, D.C.” [Alexandria Living Magazine]

Beware the Lottery Scam — “Officials with the Virginia Lottery are seeing an increase in reports of lottery scams, where scam artists try to convince people they have won a large prize. Lottery scams often target older people and have been known to wipe out victims’ retirement savings.” [Patch]