News | ALXnow - Part 900

Visit Alexandria Thanks Business Community for Adapting to the Times

Published September 24, 2020 at 11:45AM

Lower King Street in Old Town, Alexandria, in June 2020. (Staff photo by James Cullum)

It has been a year full of challenges, and on Wednesday night Visit Alexandria’s annual report was different than years past. The event was virtual and this year the city’s tourism bureau and city leaders thanked and congratulated business owners and the community for making it this far through the pandemic.

“I’ve been inspired over the last six months to see the businesses in our community bravely fight through the worst year they have ever seen, mustering their incredible creativity, their flexibility and their partnership.,” said Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson, adding that the city lost $12 million in consumption-based taxes that have not been collected.

Police Investigate More Shots Fired Overnight in West End

By James Cullum

Published September 24, 2020 at 10:30AM

Alexandria police cruiser (file photo by Jay Westcott)

The Alexandria Police Department is investigating more shots fired at night in the city.

Wednesday night saw the third straight evening with police responding to gunfire, this time occurring at around 10 p.m. in the 100 block of Jasper Place in the West End.

Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published September 24, 2020 at 9:00AM

Beyer Calls Breonna Taylor Ruling Unjust — “Breonna Taylor should still be alive. She did not deserve to die. This is not justice.” [Twitter]

Visit Alexandria Thanks Community With Video — “Here’s our tribute to Alexandria’s small businesses, hospitality workers, health department and city government, who are standing together in the face of the COVID-19 crisis. We thank you!” [Twitter]

Del Ray’s Art on the Avenue Will Be Virtual This Year

By James Cullum

Published September 23, 2020 at 5:00PM | Updated September 23, 2020 at 5:18PM

Del Ray’s Art on the Avenue festival usually draws hundreds of artists and upward of 75,000 visitors along Mount Vernon Avenue, but this year the celebration will be virtual.

“This is out 25th year, and it’s even more heartbreaking we can’t do it in-person,” festival founder Pat Miller told ALXnow.

Racial and Social Equity Training Plan for City Staff Taking Shape in Alexandria

By James Cullum

Published September 23, 2020 at 4:00PM

The Alexandria City Council is expected to receive a city council resolution on race and social equity by the end of the year, and will receive recommendations on making the city’s diversity/inclusion statement more racially explicit.

“We’re thinking in working through how to draft a resolution as specific to race and social equity for Council’s adoption,” Jaqueline Tucker, the city’s racial and social equity officer, told Council on Tuesday night.

Alexandria Commuters to be Impacted by Arlington National Cemetery Metro Station Improvements

By James Cullum

Published September 23, 2020 at 2:30PM

Metro will shut down Arlington National Cemetery for platform improvements next spring, and construction will impact Alexandria commuters.

But with ridership at a prolonged and historic low, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority assured City Council on Tuesday night that it will be able accommodate inconvenienced travelers with increased shuttle service between the Pentagon and Rosslyn stations.

City Anticipates More Delays With King Street-Old Town Metro Access Improvements Project

By James Cullum

Published September 23, 2020 at 1:15PM

The King Street-Old Town Metro Access Improvements project. (Staff photo by James Cullum)

The city anticipates that there will be more delays with the completion of the King Street-Old Town Metro Access Improvements Project.

City staff are skeptical that the first phase of the project will be completed by this December.

City Council Approves Adding Virginia Tech Initials to Potomac Yard Metro Station

By James Cullum

Published September 23, 2020 at 11:35AM

The Alexandria City Council on Tuesday night unanimously approved a proposal adding Virginia Tech’s initials to the Potomac Yard Metro Station.

Council approved the name to be the Potomac Yard – VT station. Now the name change goes before the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority for final approval.

Police Investigate Shots Fired in Landmark Area

By James Cullum

Published September 23, 2020 at 10:15AM

Alexandria police (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Alexandria Police are investigating a report of gunfire near apartments in the Landmark area of the West End.

Police tweeted on Monday night that they were investigating a call for service in the 200 block of North Pickett Street.

Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published September 23, 2020 at 9:00AM | Updated September 23, 2020 at 10:21AM

Beyer says Trump ‘Unleashed’ the Coronavirus — “Vice Chair @RepDonBeyer during today’s hearing: ‘Donald Trump holds the vast power of the U.S. Presidency–but he has refused to use it. He has not contained the coronavirus, but has unleashed it. As a result, many more lives will be lost.'” [Twitter]

Police to Conduct Traffic Enforcement Campaign for Drivers at Crosswalks — “APD is committed to protecting vulnerable road users by raising awareness about pedestrian and bike safety. The Traffic Safety is preparing to conduct multiple traffic enforcement operations which intend to address unsafe pedestrian and driving behavior in, and around, City of Alexandria crosswalks.” [Facebook]

‘why ALEXANDRIA’ Podcast Launches in Del Ray

By James Cullum

Published September 22, 2020 at 5:00PM

Alexandria Realtor Branden Beasley has such a knack for asking tough and engaging questions that he decided to start a new podcast.

Beasley’s why ALEXANDRIA podcast premiered earlier this month in Del Ray, and he and his small production crew are currently taping more interviews.