Alexandria’s seven-day average of positive COVID-19 tests is now the lowest in Virginia.
The percentage was 3.1%, as of Tuesday, September 7, even though the city is experiencing a high level of transmission for the third straight week, according to the Virginia Department of Health.
(Updated 9/8) Alexandria has many charming, attractive neighborhoods — the Mark Center isn’t one of them. But while it’s unlikely the highway-adjacent office park will be competing with Del Ray or Old Town anytime soon, a new pair of land-use changes could open the door down the road to the start of something of a transformation for the area.
Two parcels in the Mark Center Coordinated Development District (CDD) are headed to the Planning Commission on Thursday, Sept. 9 — the Hilton Hotel site at 5000 Seminary Road and the IDA site at 4880 Mark Center Drive. The applicants are asking for changes to open up some of the allowable uses on the site for future commercial and residential development.
There’s a lot in store this week in Alexandria. Here’s a few events to look forward to.
Wednesday, September 8
There were no reported injuries after shots were fired in Old Town early on Sunday night (September 5).
The incident occurred in the 900 block of S. Alfred Street near Gibbon Street, which is a residential area full of town homes in the southern portion of Old Town.
While outdoor dining along King Street has been a blessing for many local restaurants, Village Brauhaus (710 King Street) wasn’t so lucky. But now the restaurant — and former castle — is hoping to take that same principle to the roof.
In an application to the Planning Commission, Village Brauhaus owners Chelsea and William Gross are asking for permission to expand the restaurant dining to the roof.
Police assist in chase Friday night — “There is a heavy police presence in the area of North Latham Street and Taney Avenue due to a Virginia State Police pursuit that originated from out of the city. APD assisted and suspects have been taken into custody for non-violent offense(s).” [Twitter]
Alexandria Library eliminates fines for overdue items — “Here’s some great news for library patrons. Alexandria Library has decided to eliminate fines for overdue items. What is the reason for the change?” [Zebra]
Alexandria was spared from significant flooding this week after remnants of Hurricane Ida swept through the East Coast. The only flooding found was on lower King Street in Old Town, where businesses laid sandbags at windows and doorways.
“We’re open inside, but if you want to eat you’re probably going to have to come barefoot,” a hostess at Mai Thai told ALXnow on Wednesday.
This coming Monday, September 6, is Labor Day and a number of city government offices and facilities will be closed.
The biggest event of the three-day weekend will be the day before Labor Day — Sunday, September 5. The annual Old Town Festival of Speed & Style will bring crowds to marvel at classic and beautiful rides along King Street.
Salon Meraki’s founding location at 1101 Queen Street will quadruple in size when it expands into a neighboring space this fall.
Kathleen Le opened her 900 square-foot nail salon on November 1, 2017, and hopes to keep the tradition alive with a November 1 opening at 300 N. Henry Street, which was previously occupied by ARC Document Solutions. She also owns a second salon at 320 King Street.
Amazon’s Sword of Damocles is hanging over Arlandria, and city staff have been working with local residents and community leaders to put together a plan to help preserve the local community against gentrification.
Arlandria, also known as Chirilagua, is a primarily Latino community in northern Alexandria with refugees from El Salvador and other parts of Central America.
Ready to buy a pastry shop or salon in Alexandria?
The latest listings on BizBuySell show all kinds of businesses for sale in and around Alexandria. Many are restaurants, which have been heavily impacted by the pandemic.
