Del Ray | ALXnow

ALXnow’s Top Stories This Week in Alexandria

Published August 21, 2020 at 4:45PM | Updated August 21, 2020 at 5:27PM

Alexandria has put another summer work week to rest.

As the City Council enjoys a legislative break, the School Board conducted a virtual meeting to discuss the renaming process for T.C. Williams High School. Superintendent Gregory Hutchings, Jr., and the board advocate a public engagement process that could result in the board voting to change the name this December, followed by a vote on a specific name next spring. A group of community activists, however, believe that the name should be taken off immediately, since ACPS acknowledged Williams was an avowed racist and segregationist.

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Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published August 21, 2020 at 9:00AM | Updated August 21, 2020 at 11:48AM

COVID-19 Cases up 21 to 3,186 in Alexandria — “The latest update from the City on COVID-19: Positive tests up 21 to 3,186 in the City 7-day Positivity Rate steady at 5.8% 0 new hospitalizations Still safer at home, wash hands, wear masks and support our essential workers.” [Twitter]

Ebbin Bill Would Require Landlords Offer Tenants Payment Plans — “Senator John Bell and my bill to require landlords to offer payment plans to tenants who miss a payment due to COVID-19 rather than evicting them reports unanimously from the General Laws committee. This bill is a win-win and will stem the potential tide of evictions in Virginia, and has consensus support from tenants and landlords alike.” [Facebook]

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Lena’s in Del Ray Applies for Large Second-Floor Expansion and To-Go Alcohol Sales

By Vernon Miles

Published August 19, 2020 at 4:30PM | Updated August 19, 2020 at 5:04PM

Lena’s Wood-Fired Pizza and Tap could be undergoing a bit new expansion if its special use permit gets approved.

According to the application, new plans would expand Lena’s into the second floor of 515 Mount Vernon Avenue. The expansion would add 180 additional indoor seats to the restaurant.

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Del Ray Shell Station Robbed on Saturday

By Vernon Miles

Published August 17, 2020 at 11:30AM

A man walked into a Del Ray gas station on Saturday and robbed the location, according to police.

The incident occurred at a Shell Station on the 1600 block of Mount Vernon Avenue on Saturday afternoon, police said.

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ALXnow’s Top Stories This Week in Alexandria

By James Cullum

Published August 14, 2020 at 5:15PM

These summer weeks are flying by, and another one is in the books in Alexandria.

This week, readers responded to a number of issues in the city, including the tragic story behind the city’s first murder, crime in Arlandria and another protest outside of the acting Department of Homeland Security Secretary’s home.

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Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published August 13, 2020 at 9:00AM

Bookstore Operator Denies Raiding Little Free Libraries for Stock — “A Nextdoor site dedicated to Del Ray in Alexandria has been roiled by allegations that the operator of a nonprofit used bookstore slated to open next week in Alexandria was visiting Little Free Libraries to obtain stock for his shop.” [Washingtonian]

City Extends Public Feedback Deadline on Accessory Dwelling Units — “The public is invited to watch the City’s latest presentation on ADUs and provide feedback through Aug 19 here. There will be a virtual open house on ADUs scheduled before the Planning Commission and City Counsel hearings this fall.” [Alexandria Living]

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Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published August 12, 2020 at 9:00AM

Beyer Introduces Pandemic Response Accountability Legislation — “Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA) today introduced the Supply Chain Accountability Act, legislation that would require the Administration to explain its strategy for fixing key breakdowns in the pandemic response. Beyer serves on the House Committee on Ways and Means, which has partial jurisdiction over healthcare matters.” [Beyer.house.gov]

Coronavirus Cases at 2,995 in Alexandria — “Positive tests up 19 to 2,995 in the City 7-day Positivity Rate up to 5.7% 3 new hospitalizations Still safer at home, wash hands, wear masks and support our essential workers.” [Twitter]

News

Holy Cow Del Ray Wades Into Another Local Controversy With Another Burger

By Vernon Miles

Published August 11, 2020 at 3:50PM | Updated August 12, 2020 at 7:04PM

You haven’t made it as a local controversy until Holy Cow Del Ray makes a burger in your honor.

This month, the subject is the name debate around T.C. Williams High School. The local burger joined the fray with “The Alexandria HS.”

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Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published August 10, 2020 at 9:00AM

Levine Says Murder Suspect Should Have Stayed Behind Bars — “Simply put, I think the judge made a tragically wrong decision here.” [Blue Virginia]

Lynching Victim Honored in Old Town — “121 years to the day after a mob lynched young Benjamin Thomas, the successor of the Mayor who made a half-hearted plea for due process and the successor of the “City Sergeant” (@AlexVASheriff) who failed to project Benjamin, stood at the corner and laid wreaths in his memory.” [Twitter]

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Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published July 31, 2020 at 9:00AM | Updated July 31, 2020 at 11:42AM

ACPS Releasing Decision on School Year Today — “n many ways, Friday’s announcement will be just the beginning. Once the Virginia Department of Education approves our proposal that we are required to submit by Aug. 14, our hard work continues as we begin to prepare for implementation of our reopening plan. The week of Aug. 14, we will be sharing schedules, curriculum and expectations for both staff and students. I understand that you need information to plan for your lives and I understand that school is central to that process. ” [ACPS]

COVID-19 Cases Increase by 20 — “Positive tests up 20 to 2,779 in the City; 7-day Positivity Rate down to 5.3%; 0 new hospitalizations; New testing event held; Still safer at home, wash hands, wear masks and support our essential workers.” [Twitter]

News

Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published July 21, 2020 at 9:00AM

Beyer Says Acting Homeland Security Chief Should Resign — “Ordering the occupation of US cities, seeking the escalation of violence, and intentionally risking American lives over peaceful protests and graffiti is unfathomable and unacceptable. Acting Secretary Wolf must resign immediately or be fired.” [Twitter]

Del Ray Used Book Store to Open in August — “Piles and boxes of thousands of donated books crowd Donald Alexander’s house as he prepares to turn his vision for a used bookstore in Del Ray into reality.” [Alexandria Living]