News | ALXnow - Part 676

No arrests after fatal Duke Street crash, cocaine and other suspected drugs found in vehicle involved

Published April 1, 2022 at 10:45AM

Alexandria Police lights (staff photo by James Cullum)

Alexandria Police are still investigating a February 22 crash on Duke Street that resulted in the death of a driver and multiple injuries. No one has been arrested in connection to the crash, even though one of the drivers involved was found to be in possession of cocaine and number of other suspected drugs.

“The crash resulted in one fatality, one critical injury, one serious injury, and two minor injuries,” APD said in a release. “Preliminary investigation suggests speed may have been a contributing factor in this incident.”

Mayor: One-time tax relief proposed for car owners in Alexandria

By Vernon Miles

Published April 1, 2022 at 9:55AM

Traffic moves along Duke Street near N. Jordan St. (Staff photo by Jay Westcott)

This year’s budget could include a one-time measure meant to keep the vehicle tax from skyrocketing.

In his monthly newsletter. Mayor Justin Wilson outlined a unique set of circumstances that, if left unchecked, could see Alexandrians’ vehicle personal property tax skyrocket.

Morning Notes

By ALXnow.com

Published April 1, 2022 at 8:50AM | Updated April 1, 2022 at 9:32AM

Construction in Potomac Yard, staff photo by Jay Westcott

River Farm future in Fairfax looks bright — “Six months later, the darkest chapter in AHS’ century-long history seems to be over, and the future of River Farm is more hopeful for both the board and community.” [Alexandria Times]

It’s Friday — Mostly cloudy throughout the day. High of 66 and low of 44. Sunrise at 6:54 am and sunset at 7:33 pm. [Weather.gov]

Inova Alexandria at Landmark concept plan shows 175-foot-tall hospital building

By James Cullum

Published March 31, 2022 at 3:30PM | Updated March 31, 2022 at 6:03PM

The Inova At Landmark campus conceptual design. (Via Inova)

Inova Alexandria at Landmark will open in about six years, although the plans and timeline are still subject to change. The proposed 675,000 square-foot hospital is 175 feet tall — about 16 stories in height, and will likely forever alter the Alexandria skyline.

Inova unveiled its conceptual designs for three new large buildings at the 10-acre complex site in a community meeting via Zoom on Wednesday night (March 30). The project, which makes up a fifth of the total land use on the 52-acre West End Alexandria development, accounts for 915,000 square feet of usable building space — 675,000 square feet devoted to the new hospital, 130,000 square feet to a cancer center and 110,000 square feet to a specialty outpatient care center.

Tall Ship Providence to dock at The Wharf for much of 2022

By Vernon Miles

Published March 31, 2022 at 2:45PM

The Tall Ship Providence and The Cherry Blossom on the Potomac River with the Woodrow Wilson Bridge in the distance. (staff photo by James Cullum)

While Gen Z has decided, correctly, that Alexandria is superior to D.C., at least one local attraction is headed to the further shore for much of this year.

The Tall Ship Providence is planning to move to The Wharf for the “2022 cruise season” while construction is ongoing at the Senator John Warner Maritime Heritage Center in Old Town.

Three Alexandria men arrested after robbery and abduction in West End

By James Cullum

Published March 31, 2022 at 1:00PM | Updated May 3, 2022 at 9:38AM

Alexandria Police at night (staff photo by James Cullum)

Three men are being held without bond in the city jail after a robbery and abduction in the West End.

The incident occurred on February 23 at an apartment in the 51oo block of Fairbanks Avenue, which is near the intersection of Seminary Road and N. Beauregard Street. The victim went to the apartment to meet with an “associate”, who asked him for money, but the man said he didn’t have any, according to a search warrant affidavit.

Adoption fee paid for adoptable cat Jordan in Alexandria

By James Cullum

Published March 31, 2022 at 9:45AM

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

It doesn’t cost anything to adopt Jordan. The 13-month-old brown and white spotted male cat is currently up for adoption with the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria.

“Jordan is a goofy cat who loves flopping all over the place to show off his belly when playing,” said AWLA spokesperson Gina Hardter. “He also enjoys rubbing noses with his human foster family.”

Morning Notes

By ALXnow.com

Published March 31, 2022 at 5:00AM

Cherry blossom season in bloom — “Check out local spots that are participating in the National Cherry Blossom Festival.” [Alexandria Living Magazine]

It’s Thursday — Rain in the evening and overnight. High of 68 and low of 56. Sunrise at 6:55 am and sunset at 7:32 pm. [Weather.gov]

City outlines what’s ahead for Potomac Yard development

By Vernon Miles

Published March 30, 2022 at 3:50PM

With Potomac Yard Metro Station coming along, city staff and leaders recently took a look at the rest of the planned development.

At a meeting of the Potomac Yard Metrorail Implementation Work Group on Monday, Principal Planner Dirk Geratz took group members on a virtual tour of the development site and outlined how far development in the area has come — and how far some parts still have to go.

Fairfax County man arrested after allegedly pointing gun at girlfriend’s head in Landmark area

By James Cullum

Published March 30, 2022 at 2:15PM

A Fairfax County man was arrested earlier this month after allegedly punching and slapping his girlfriend and pointing a gun at her head.

The incident occurred on Jan. 30 in the woman’s apartment in the 100 block of Century Drive in the Landmark area. The victim called police and said that her boyfriend, Milek Pittman, punched her in the face and pointed a gun at her head after an argument erupted, according to a search warrant affidavit. Pittman also allegedly damaged a door of the apartment by punching and kicking it.

‘Del Ray Cigars & More’ opening on Mount Vernon Avenue in early April

By James Cullum

Published March 30, 2022 at 1:00PM

Del Ray Cigars & More will open at 2104 Mount Vernon Avenue on Friday, April 8, 2022. (staff photo by James Cullum)

A new smoke shop is opening on April 8 (Friday) on Mount Vernon Avenue in the heart of Del Ray, according to its manager.

Del Ray Cigars & More will open at 2104 Mount Vernon Avenue, and will offer cigars and cigarettes, vaping devices and liquids, and cannabidiol (CBD) products.