News | ALXnow - Part 814

Morning Notes

Published December 28, 2020 at 9:15AM

Travel and Leisure Promotes Alexandria as Road Trip Destination — “An easy four-hour drive from New York and just ten minutes from the nation’s capital, the waterfront city balances the sophistication of an urban metropolis with the neighborly vibes of a small town.” [Travel and Leisure]

Inova Could be Rezoned as Single Family Homes — “Current plans call for the hospital property to be sold and rezoned for single family homes and townhomes, according to information provided by the City of Alexandria.” [Alexandria Living Magazine]

Inseparable Mother-Daughter Pooches Looking for New Home

By James Cullum

Published December 23, 2020 at 4:30PM | Updated December 23, 2020 at 7:07PM

Chaquira (on left) and her daughter, Princesa, are up for adoption through the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria. (Photo via AWLA)

Nine-year-old Chaquira and her eight-year-old daughter Princesa are inseparable, and the pair are looking for a new home via the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria.

AWLA took in Chaquira and Princesa with 12 other dogs from the Florida-based True and Faithful Pet Rescue Mission.

Flash Flood Watch Issued for Alexandria on Christmas Eve

By Vernon Miles

Published December 23, 2020 at 2:30PM

Alexandria could face a rainy Christmas Eve, giving locals yet another reason to stay at home for the holidays.

Transportation and Environmental Services warned locals on Twitter to take the time to ensure downspouts flow away from homes and water can flow into drainage areas. The city has already faced several floods this year, and T&ES warned melting snow could create another.

Old Town Books Moving to New Location This Spring

By James Cullum

Published December 23, 2020 at 1:30PM

Bestsellers at Old Town Books. (Photo via Old Town Books/Facebook)

Old Town Books has found a new home.

The lease for the shop, which started as a pop-up at 104 S. Union Street in September 2018, expires at that location next March.

Poll: What Are Your Holiday Plans?

By Vernon Miles

Published December 23, 2020 at 11:30AM

We’re coming up on an unusual Christmas at the end of 2020.

Thanksgiving gatherings resulted in an increase in coronavirus cases and — while Inova is holding steady with hospitalizations — there is a continued increase in COVID-19 cases in Alexandria.

Port City Doubles Delivery Radius and Offers Same-Day Holiday Delivery

By Vernon Miles

Published December 23, 2020 at 10:30AM

A sale of Port City's Tidings beer (staff photo by Vernon Miles)

Local brewery Port City Brewing Company has expanded its delivery radius to ten miles around Virginia and is offering same-day delivery for beer sales made before noon — twice the usual distance and extending as far as McLean and Lorton.

Most of the beers available are $11.75, though Port City is also offering a $23.50 variety pack with 12 bottles of various types. The offer is only valid through the end of today (Wednesday).

Morning Notes

By Vernon Miles

Published December 23, 2020 at 9:00AM

What’s Open and What’s Closed Over Holidays — “All City of Alexandria government offices will be closed on Thursday, December 24, and Friday, December 25, in observance of Christmas; and on Friday, January 1, 2021, in observance of New Year’s Day.” [Zebra]

City Releases Guide to Safely Celebrating Holidays — “This year, the best gift for friends and family is continued good health. With COVID-19 cases surging, it is more important than ever to stay home, wear a mask, maintain 6 feet of distance, and wash your hands frequently.” [City of Alexandria]

BREAKING: Landmark Mall to be Redeveloped as Inova Medical Campus

By Vernon Miles

Published December 22, 2020 at 4:15PM

The City of Alexandria announced today that it has reached an agreement with Inova Health System and the Landmark Mall property owners to create a new hospital campus and mixed-use development at Landmark Mall.

The new campus would relocate the existing hospital on Seminary Hill and expand to over 2,000 healthcare workers. Construction could begin as soon as 2023 with the first parts of the campus coming online in 2025.

The Chamber ALX Launches Alexandria-Themed Board Game

By Vernon Miles

Published December 22, 2020 at 3:30PM

Even if you’re secluded at home, The Chamber ALX wants to give you a chance to explore Alexandria: even if it’s with a small pewter icon buying local landmarks and trying to cheat your friends in a new cutthroat spin on a classic game.

ALX-opoly is a new twist on — well, a popular board game The Chamber won’t reference for legal reasons. The board features local sites like the George Washington Masonic National Memorial and the Carlyle Lions.

City Gears Up for Taylor Run Restoration in 2021

By Vernon Miles

Published December 22, 2020 at 2:45PM

Taylor Run (Photo via City of Alexandria)

Alexandria is planning an upcoming meeting to look over the latest on the Taylor Run Stream Restoration Project.

The city announced revitalization plans earlier this year and recently completed gathering feedback. The renovation is scheduled to begin mid-to-late 2021 and will include trail improvements.

Alexandria Man Jailed for Receiving Stolen Handgun and Resisting Arrest in West End

By James Cullum

Published December 22, 2020 at 1:30PM

Alexandria Police lights (staff photo by James Cullum)

A 22-year-old Alexandria man was arrested last month for receiving a stolen firearm and resisting arrest in the West End.

The man was arrested on Nov. 24 after police responded to a call that a suspect walked into the 7-Eleven store at 4949 Seminary Road in the Southern Towers apartment complex, brandished a handgun and allegedly stated that “he would kill everyone,” according to a police search warrant affidavit.