News

Morning Notes

By ALXnow.com

Presidential Primary Day in Alexandria — Today is Super Tuesday, the presidential primary day in Virginia and 13 other states across the U.S. Here in Alexandria, polls are open from 6 a.m.-7 p.m. [City of Alexandria]

New Development Near Braddock Road Metro — “CRC Cos. LLC is pitching a plan to redevelop several single-family homes across from the Braddock Road Metro station into a new mixed-use building. The Arlington-based real estate firm submitted plans to Alexandria officials last week for a seven-story, 177-unit building along North West Street, bounded by Madison Street and Wythe Street. The proposal also calls for a small space set aside for ground-floor retail.” [Washington Business Journal]

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A New Chef in the Local Kitchen for Alexandria Restaurant Partners

By James Cullum

Brandon Whitestone is at his best working with a team of people in the kitchen. After a career running kitchens in restaurants around the country, the 35-year-old has made Northern Virginia home in his newest job as regional executive chef for Alexandria Restaurant Partners.

“Kitchens are kind of controlled chaos,” Whitestone tells ALXnow. “It’s exciting to be a part of that and the feeling you get to see your team fight through battle together and grow with each other. You know, a lot of people visit restaurants for special occasions and to commemorate something, so it’s really important to make sure that goes properly for them.”

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New Transit Plan Could Send King Street Trolley Down to Eisenhower

By Vernon Miles
The King Street Trolley (Staff Photo by Jay Westcott)

The King Street Trolley runs from the King Street Metro down to the waterfront, but a section of the new Transit Vision Plan could extend that path down to the Eisenhower Metro station.

“The 2030 and 2022 Vision Plan Networks include the King Street Trolley with a potential extension from the King Street Metro to the Eisenhower Metro Station via the Carlyle and Eisenhower East districts,” the plan said. “This could provide a frequent connection directly between the large and dense activity center around Eisenhower Avenue Metro and Old Town.”

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Council Focuses on Cut-Through Traffic, Speeding in New Alexandria Mobility Plan

By James Cullum
Traffic moves along Duke Street near N. Jordan St. (Staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Members of the Alexandria City Council are looking to curb cut-through traffic through city neighborhoods.

Last week, Mayor Justin Wilson, Vice Mayor Elizabeth Bennett-Parker and Councilman John T. Chapman sent the city manager’s office a memo, requesting staff look into implementing a residential permit program restricting cars from driving through streets during peak periods, and imposing higher fines for drivers speeding through residential areas, as Arlington recently did.

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Biden Wins Alexandria Democratic Committee Straw Poll

By James Cullum
Former Florida Sen. Bill Nelson spoke as a surrogate for former Vice President Joe Biden at the ADC Straw Poll at Lost Boy Cider on Sunday, March 1, 2020 (Staff photo by James Cullum)

Former Vice President Joe Biden won the Alexandria Democratic Committee’s nearly annual straw poll on Sunday.

The event, which was attended by more than 100 people at Lost Boy Cider, is the first indicator of how Alexandria might turn out in the run up to Tuesday’s primary. Virginia is one of 15 states participating in Super Tuesday primary on March 3.

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Morning Notes

By ALXnow.com
People enjoy the Mount Vernon Trail on a warm January day at sunset (Staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Schools Preparing for Coronavirus — “ACPS has partnered with the Alexandria City Health Department and local first responders to form a COVID-19 Task Force Planning Committee to work closely to monitor this evolving situation. We plan to provide updates as we progress with this planning and work.” [ACPS]

Reminder: Primary Day is Tomorrow — “On Tuesday, March 3, there will be a Democratic Party presidential primary election in the City of Alexandria. Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.” [City of Alexandria]

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City Firefighters Still the Lowest Paid in Region Despite Proposed Budget Boost

By James Cullum
Fire Department recruits training on Feb. 14, 2020. (Staff photo by James Cullum)

Alexandria firefighters are likely getting a raise this year, but under the city manager’s proposed budget they are still the lowest paid in the region.

City Manager Mark Jinks is proposing a 6.6% pay hike to $52,531 for first-year firefighters, which includes the 1.5% increase for all city employees. The city’s salary for first-year firefighters, however, would still be 6.4% behind other jurisdictions in the region.

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Lovable Boxer Goofball Wants a Hiking Buddy in Alexandria

By Vernon Miles

Gina Hardter, spokeswoman for the AWLA, said Kay is beloved at the shelter for her silly side, though she is looking for a home with adults.

“She’s a complete goofball who is as happy on a hike as bouncing around the yard, hanging out with other pups, playing with her toys or just enjoying a quiet night in with her favorite people,” Hardter said.

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