News | ALXnow - Part 704

Wary of new Governor Youngkin, ACPS still proposes 10.25% in staff raises

Published January 19, 2022 at 2:30PM | Updated January 19, 2022 at 2:51PM

Alexandria City Public Schools is sticking with its proposed 10.25% salary increase for all employees, and Superintendent Gregory Hutchings, Jr. says that number will not change based on potential guidance from Governor Glenn Youngkin.

“Regardless of what the governor says or does, we have positioned ourselves to continue to increase compensation for our staff,” School Board Chair Meagan Alderton said at a budget retreat last week. “This is the type of proactive intentional work that will, I think, makes us successful to be able to sustain what it is we’re trying to do right now.”

Activists allege developer-city collusion in Torpedo Factory plans, but city says it’s more complicated

By Vernon Miles

Published January 19, 2022 at 1:30PM

The Torpedo Factory Art Center in Old Town (staff photo by James Cullum)

A group of activists pushing back against city plans to overhaul the Torpedo Factory Art Center have accused city leaders of working with developers to astroturf a pro-overhaul faction, but city leaders said the goal wasn’t to mislead.

A Change.org petition with 7,694 signers at time of writing has become an online hub for those opposing the city’s plans to reduce artist studio space in the Torpedo Factory and replace it with alternative arts spaces (like glassblowing) or restaurant space. A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request made public by the petition organizers highlighted city emails with and about the “Torpedo Factory for All” initiative spearheaded by developer Route 66 Ventures — one of the developers pushing to lead the overhaul.

After filing bankruptcy, Sur La Table planning to reopen in Old Town

By James Cullum

Published January 19, 2022 at 10:45AM | Updated January 19, 2022 at 12:16PM

Sur La Table is reopening at 326 King Street. (Via Facebook)

Sixteen months after being forced to closed due to bankruptcy reorganization, Seattle-based kitchenware retailer Sur La Table is planning to reopen at 326 King Street.

The company won’t say exactly when the reopening will happen, but ALXnow was tipped off after Sur La Table posted a $70,000 a year job for a full-time manager for the store.

Wesley Housing apartment acquisition will keep apartments affordable in Arlandria for 99 years

By James Cullum

Published January 19, 2022 at 10:00AM

Wesley Housing has acquired the six-building Parc Square Apartments in Arlandria (via Wesley Housing)

A new acquisition will preserve some affordable housing in Alexandria’s Arlandria/Chirilagua neighborhood for nearly 100 years. Wesley Housing has acquired the six-building Parc Square Apartments buildings.

Wesley Housing will now make immediate safety repairs, with a long-term plan to redevelop the property. The 1940s-era properties were acquired after Wesley Housing got a $2.3 million grant from the Amazon Housing Equity Fund, and conditionally will reman affordable for at least 99 years.

Morning Notes

By Vernon Miles

Published January 19, 2022 at 5:00AM

House display outside an Old Town business, staff photo by Vernon Miles

Alexandria’s ‘Merchant of Menace’ along the waterfront — “Cummings’ International Armament Corporation, also known as Interarms, would ship millions of surplus military arms and ammunition to and from the waterfront pier and about 10 warehouses stretched along South Union Street between Prince and Wolfe streets.” [Alexandria Living Magazine]

Metro General Manager Wiedefeld to retire in 6 months — “As the 7000 series investigation continues, Metro’s general manager announced his intention to retire in six months.” [Patch]

Wegmans kicks off hiring spree for Carlyle location ahead of spring opening

By Vernon Miles

Published January 18, 2022 at 3:45PM

Carlyle-Wegmans concept rendering, photo via Wegmans

With the opening of the Carlyle Wegmans right around the corner, the grocery store chain has kicked off a hiring spree for around 300 part-time positions.

The store is scheduled to open in May as part of the mixed-use Carlyle Crossing development. The Wegmans is one of the first grocery stores in the neighborhood.

Alexandria man cited by police after trying to bring gun onto plane at National Airport this weekend

By Vernon Miles

Published January 18, 2022 at 2:30PM

Alexandria man's firearm confiscated by airport security, photo courtesy TSA

An Alexandria man received a citation after he was caught at National Airport bringing a gun through security.

According to a press release from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), a TSA officer caught the gun among carry-on items at a security checkpoint.

Musical pop-ups: “Tiki” pop-up bar opening next week in Del Ray

By James Cullum

Published January 18, 2022 at 1:00PM

Ready for a Mangorita? Tiki, a new pop-up bar will open next week at 2312 Mount Vernon Avenue.

The former longtime home to The Sushi Bar was briefly converted into the Christmas-themed pop-up bar Joy On The Avenue, and more pop-ups at the location are being planned as plans for the final concept fall into place. For now, bamboo decorations are being put in place and Tiki masks have been painted on the walls.

Alexandria sees more than 7,000 new Covid cases in January

By James Cullum

Published January 18, 2022 at 11:00AM

Alexandria’s Covid numbers are going down, but the numbers of new reported cases continues to rise by the hundreds on a daily basis.

There have been 26,907 total cases reported by the Virginia Department of Health as of today (Monday, Jan. 18), and the number of deaths has climbed by two since last week to 163. Sunday, Jan. 17, saw the the fewest single day number of cases reported so far this year with 191 new cases.

Women’s fitness chain Athleta opens today in Old Town

By Vernon Miles

Published January 18, 2022 at 9:50AM

Athleta winter gear, photo via Athleta/Facebook

Women’s activewear store Athleta is opening today at 607 King Street in Old Town.

The store opens at 10 a.m. (so now-ish) and it open until 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday. On Sundays, Athleta is open 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Morning Notes

By Vernon Miles

Published January 18, 2022 at 5:00AM

She said yes! A couple gets engaged at Waterfront Park along the Potomac River in Old Town. (staff photo by James Cullum)

Say farewell to the Fairies of Del Ray–just for now! — “You might have noticed the petite doors and houses and stained glass windows hidden in the crooks of trees and crannies of rocks in the Del Ray neighborhood.” [Zebra]

I-395 Seminary Road ramp conversion OKed by VA board — “The conversion will allow solo riders to use the ramp for a toll and HOV-3 carpoolers to continue using it for free.” [Patch]