News | ALXnow - Part 730

Alexandria drops speed limit on Seminary Road

Published December 16, 2021 at 10:45AM

Pump the brakes if you’re cruising down Seminary Road, the City of Alexandria has dropped the speed limit on the arterial road from 35 mph to 25.

The move comes after years of efforts by the city to redesign the road, which included reducing travel lanes to add more pedestrian and bicycle space, which have at times sparked intense backlash. In a press release, the city said the goal is to reduce speed on the street to limit the severity and frequency of crashes. The change will impact Seminary Road between I-395 and the City limits.

Maryland man arrested for shoplifting from Target in Potomac Yard

By James Cullum

Published December 16, 2021 at 9:30AM

Alexandria Police cruiser (staff photo by James Cullum)

A Maryland man was arrested earlier this month for allegedly shoplifting $350 worth of merchandise from the Target at Potomac Yard.

The incident occurred on Wednesday, Nov. 24. The Target loss prevention manager told police that two suspects walked into the store, and that he recognized one of them as a frequent shopper, according to a search warrant affidavit.

Morning Notes

By Vernon Miles

Published December 16, 2021 at 5:00AM

As seen in Potomac Yard (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

COVID boosters underway for 16, 17-year-olds in Alexandria — “The Alexandria Health Department and other providers are giving Pfizer boosters to teens aged 16 and 17 along with adults.” [Patch]

Developers behind TideLock in North Old Town continue community engagement — “The office-to-residential conversion continues to be refined in advance of public hearings scheduled for early next year.” [Alexandria Living Magazine]

What’s open over the holidays and when in Alexandria?

By Vernon Miles

Published December 15, 2021 at 3:30PM

Alexandria's holiday tree outside City Hall in Old Town in 2021 (staff photo by James Cullum)

It’s the holiday season, so expect a series of closures and reduced services toward the end of this month.

In a press release, the City of Alexandria ran offered an overview of what services will be open and when.

New Ethiopian restaurant coming to Van Dorn Plaza next year

By Vernon Miles

Published December 15, 2021 at 2:30PM

291 S Van Dorn Street, formerly Little Gym, via Google Maps

A new Ethiopian restaurant is coming to Van Dorn Plaza sometime next year.

Asmare Kebede is planning to open Roha Ethiopian Restaurant at 291 S Van Dorn Street, formerly The Little Gym.

Alexandria City Council bids farewell to Bennett-Parker, Pepper, Seifeldein

By James Cullum

Published December 15, 2021 at 1:00PM | Updated December 15, 2021 at 3:21PM

A voter leaves City Hall after casting a callot (Staff photo by Jay Westcott)

(Updated at 3:15 p.m.) Three outgoing members of the Alexandria City Council were honored by their colleagues for their service at Tuesday night’s meeting.

Alexandria Vice Mayor Elizabeth Bennett-Parker, Councilwoman Del Pepper and Councilman Mo Seifeldein were presented with proclamations thanking them for their service by Mayor Justin Wilson on Tuesday night.

City applying to BAR for permanent new King Street bollards and more

By Vernon Miles

Published December 15, 2021 at 10:45AM

With the City of Alexandria closing off the 100 block of King Street for good, it’s looking to make some permanent additions to the street to signal that it’s closed to car traffic.

The city is applying to the Board of Architectural Review at the Wednesday, Jan. 5, meeting for approval of traffic-blocking bollards that will close off the ends of the 100 block of King Street. The city will be using the same type of bollards already in place along the Waterfront.

Alexandria’s New Year’s Eve celebration is back in Old Town

By James Cullum

Published December 15, 2021 at 9:45AM

First Night Alexandria (photo via First Night Alexandria/Facebook)

After an online celebration last year, Alexandria’s First Night celebration is back, fireworks and all on New Year’s Eve.

“I’m thrilled First Night is back,” said Laverne Chapman, chair of the board of First Night. “It took us two years to come back, and we’re ready to come back.”

Morning Notes

By Vernon Miles

Published December 15, 2021 at 5:00AM

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)

New Alexandria officers, Sheriff’s deputies graduate from academy — “The new law enforcement officers completed 21 weeks of training before their graduation from the Criminal Justice Academy.” [Patch]

Richmond Highway motel could be replaced with multi-family residential building — “The transformation of Richmond Highway continues with plans to replace the Brookside Motel with a new multi-family residential building.” [Alexandria Living Magazine]

Hear ye! Hear ye! Alexandria’s Town Crier Ben Fiore-Walker has been making proclamations for 10 years

By James Cullum

Published December 14, 2021 at 3:30PM | Updated December 14, 2021 at 4:28PM

Alexandria Town Crier Ben Fiore-Walker was largely silent during the pandemic. Now he’s back, bell and call and all.

Earlier this month, Fiore-Walker stood at the reviewing stand in his Colonial uniform and opened the Campagna Center’s Scottish Christmas Walk Parade in Old Town. While he’s spoken at numerous online events and small outdoor concerts over the past year, the Scottish Christmas Walk was his first large public gathering since he previously walked through Old Town ringing his bell and declaring, “Hear ye! Hear ye!” at the George Washington Birthday Parade in February 2020.

Message boards being placed near Duke Street ahead of upcoming signal overhaul

By Vernon Miles

Published December 14, 2021 at 2:40PM

Traffic on Duke Street in Alexandria (staff photo by James Cullum)

The City of Alexandria is trying to get the word out about major changes coming to a stretch of Duke Street and the connecting streets.

The proposed overhaul will change traffic patterns along Duke Street near Telegraph Road, a major connection to I-395 and a source of significant backup onto nearby residential streets. The pilot phase for the program is planned to start Monday, Jan. 3. The pilot project is scheduled to end on March 30, followed by a period of traffic analysis.