News | ALXnow - Part 768

Morning Notes

Published April 13, 2021 at 5:00AM

City nominated for Condé Nast award — “The Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards are the longest-running and most prestigious recognition of excellence in the travel industry. Alexandria has placed among the Top 5 Small Cities in the U.S. for the last three years alongside Charleston and Santa Fe.” [CNTraveler.com]

Alexandria to get first DashMart in DC Metro area — “Brought to you from the folks at DoorDash, the company plans to open a warehouse later this year in Alexandria at 826 S. Pickett St. (just west of South Van Dorn Street) where it will house the items for delivery around the clock.” [Alexandria Living]

JUST IN: Video released of police arresting chase suspect who died in D.C.

By James Cullum

Published April 12, 2021 at 4:35PM | Updated April 12, 2021 at 5:05PM

A video has surfaced of 35-year-old chase suspect Anthony Louis of northeast D.C. after he jumped off an over pass while allegedly eluding police.

In the video, an observer is heard telling officers to be careful with Louis, who died after falling and getting tased by an arresting officer.

School Board chooses ‘Pinwheel Concept’ for Minnie Howard Campus

By James Cullum

Published April 12, 2021 at 3:30PM

With little discussion, the Alexandria School Board last Thursday unanimously approved the “Pinwheel” concept at the T.C. Williams High School Minnie Howard campus.

The decision over the High School Project took two-and-a-half years in the making, and the $149.5 million Pinwheel was chosen over two other concepts.

NEW: Object thrown at car outside courthouse initially mistaken for gunfire

By James Cullum

Published April 12, 2021 at 2:45PM

Alexandria Police lights (staff photo by James Cullum)

Alexandria Police are investigating a report that an object that was thrown at a vehicle just outside the city Courthouse.

The victim, who knows the suspect, called 911 and mistakenly reported that a gun was fired at their vehicle, according to police.

Alexandria moves into Phase 2 of vaccination

By Vernon Miles

Published April 12, 2021 at 12:45PM

All residents over 16 are now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine in Alexandria.

The Alexandria Health Department announced today (Monday) that while eligibility has been greatly expanded, availability is still depending on vaccine supply and could take several months.

Spokes Etc. reopens in Belle View Shopping Center

By James Cullum

Published April 12, 2021 at 10:45AM

A year-and-a-half after a devastating six-alarm fire affected numerous businesses at the Belle View Shopping Center, bike shop Spokes Etc. has finally reopened.

Spokes Etc. reopened at 1506 Belle View Blvd. last Tuesday, making it their sixth open location in Northern Virginia. It has been in Belle View for more than 20 years.

Alexandria getting 11K COVID-19 vaccine doses this week, residents asked to register

By James Cullum

Published April 12, 2021 at 9:35AM | Updated April 12, 2021 at 12:15PM

“This does not include additional vaccine supplies from federal programs provided directly to participating pharmacies and Alexandria’s federally qualified health center, Neighborhood Health,” according to AHD.

Residents are encouraged to pre-register with the city to get on the vaccine waitlist at alexandriava.gov/Vaccines or call 703-746-4988 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published April 12, 2021 at 5:00AM

The Groundswell art installation at Waterfront Park in Old Town. (Staff photo by James Cullum)

Mayor gets vaccinated — “On Christmas Eve our Health Dept vaccinated 251 healthcare workers. Since that time, 51K+ Alexandrians have received at least a dose. Today, my name was called. I’m excited to receive the J&J vaccine. Thanks to our staff and volunteers!” [Twitter]

Council considers changes to taxi regulations — “Since the arrival of taxi network companies, TNCs, like Uber and Lyft in 2015, the taxi industry has been struggling to adapt to a rapidly changing market. The COVID-19 pandemic did not help the situation for an already challenged industry, and the city’s proposed code amendment aims to provide support for local taxi companies by easing specific regulations.” [Alex Times]

JUST IN: Dr. Stephen Haering suddenly retires as director of Alexandria Health Department

By James Cullum

Published April 9, 2021 at 8:30PM | Updated April 9, 2021 at 9:07PM

After nearly 11 years as the Alexandria Health Department Director, Dr. Stephen Haering suddenly announced his retirement, effective immediately, on Friday.

Mayor Justin Wilson said he was shocked by the news.

ALXnow’s top stories this week in Alexandria

By James Cullum

Published April 9, 2021 at 3:35PM | Updated April 12, 2021 at 11:26AM

It was a historic week in Alexandria. Here are some of the highlights.

President Joe Biden visited the Neighborhood Health COVID-19 vaccine site at Virginia Theological Seminary on Tuesday, just before announcing that the date for adults to get access to the vaccine has been moved to April 19.

Planning Commission approves controversial subdivision, plants potential loophole for future denial

By Vernon Miles

Published April 9, 2021 at 2:30PM

506 N. Overlook Drive (image via North Ridge Citizens' Association)

A subdivision that could lead to the demolition of a 19th century Alexandria home got its recommendation of approval from the Planning Commission Thursday night, but included a Death Star exhaust port-type hole that could blow up the process down the road.

The owner of the house at 506 N. Overlook Drive is seeking a permit to adjust the property lines for two parcels on the site, the first steps toward what will eventually involve tearing down the house on the property.