Del Ray | ALXnow

Del Ray and Arlandria Plan Updates Leave the Town Hall and Go Online

Published March 26, 2020 at 2:00PM

Historic Del Ray (Staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Alexandria’s goal of reshaping the Del Ray and Arlandria plans is still moving forward, but the once town hall-driven process is going entirely digital to combat the spread of coronavirus.

The long term plans for the neighborhoods shape policies on things like retail, residential and public spaces in Del Ray and Arlandria. These plans were last updated in 2003 for Arlandria and 2005 for Del Ray. With Amazon moving in next door, the new plans aimed to help these neighborhoods hold onto their sense of community.

News

Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published March 25, 2020 at 9:00AM

Metro Closing Eisenhower and Van Dorn Stations — “Metro’s Pandemic Task Force today announced the strategic closing of 17 additional stations, effective Thursday, March 26, 2020, in an effort to conserve critical resources and protect the health and safety of Metro employees and the public. This follows drastic measures already taken to reduce travel on Metro to essential trips only, leading to a Metrorail ridership decline of 90 percent.” [WMATA]

Inova Blood Services Needs Donors — “COVID-19 has heightened awareness of the necessity to be continuously diligent in protecting our donors both in our donor centers and while we are out in the community. Inova Blood Donor Services is fully committed to the health and safety of our blood donors and the patients who benefit from the generous blood, plasma, and platelet donations.” [Inova]

News

Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published March 24, 2020 at 9:00AM

Regional Program Awarding 11 Grants to Local Businesses — “The Governor is authorizing $87,619.00 of funding to the Alexandria/Arlington Regional Workforce Council, through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, for employers eligible to remain open during the COVID-19 emergency. Period of performance is from March 1, 2020 to August 31, 2020.” [Twitter]

Beyer to Host 5 p.m. COVID-19 Telephone Town Hall — “I’ll update you on my work to support the public health response and minimize the economic damage, hear from a local public health official, and take your questions.” [Twitter]

News

COVID-19 Enters Community Spread Phase, Businesses and Residents Adapt

By James Cullum

Published March 20, 2020 at 4:30PM | Updated March 21, 2020 at 12:34AM

Alexandria has officially entered into the community spread phase of the coronavirus pandemic, according to Dr. Rina Bansal, president of Inova Alexandria Hospital.

That means that direct exposure to the virus can not be traced back to its source.

News

Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published March 20, 2020 at 9:10AM | Updated March 20, 2020 at 10:28AM

The Alexandria Visitor Center at 221 King Street is closed. (Staff photo by James Cullum)

City Eases Delivery Restrictions For Restaurants — “To support local business and access to food, effective immediately, the City of Alexandria will suspend enforcement of the following regulations and special use permit conditions that limit hours of operation, deliveries, off-premises alcohol sales, and outdoor sales/dining.” [Zebra]

Governor Urges Small Businesses to Apply For Federal Assistance Loans — “Businesses impacted by COVID-19 can also request to defer the payment of state sales tax due [today], March 20, 2020, for 30 days. When granted, businesses will be able to file no later than April 20, 2020 with a waiver of any penalties.” [Governor’s Office]

News

Life-Changing: Alexandria Businesses React to Coronavirus

By James Cullum

Published March 18, 2020 at 5:45PM | Updated March 20, 2020 at 9:22AM

Lower King Street on March 18, 2020. (Staff photo by James Cullum)

With only five reported cases in the city so far, COVID-19 has had a huge impact on Alexandria residents, businesses and the city government.

There has been one reported instance of price gouging, with packages of 10 rolls of Charmin Ultra Soft toilet paper being sold for more than $60 at the Food Star at 206 W. Glebe Road.

News

How to Shop and Support Businesses in Del Ray Without Breaking Quarantine

By Vernon Miles

Published March 18, 2020 at 11:30AM

As customers stay at home to help flatten the curve of COVID-19’s spread, many Alexandria retailers are feeling the strain. There are still ways, however, to support your local businesses without breaking quarantine.

The Del Ray Business Association has put together a list of social distancing-friendly specials in the area that will help locals support small businesses without exposing yourself or others to coronavirus.

News

Neighborhood Restaurant Group Closes Alexandria Locations, Mayor Says COVID-19 Impact Could Last Years

By James Cullum

Published March 16, 2020 at 2:00PM

Evening Star Cafe at 2000 Mount Vernon Avenue in Del Ray (via Evening Star Cafe/Facebook)

The Del Ray-based Neighborhood Restaurant Group on Monday closed numerous locations in Alexandria in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The restaurants Evening Star Cafe, Buzz Bakeshop, Columbia Firehouse, Vermilion, Rustico and Planet Wine will be closed for dining but will continue to operate delivery and take-out, according to the restaurants’ social media pages.

News

Alexandria Businesses Bracing For Effects of COVID-19

By James Cullum

Published March 13, 2020 at 3:30PM | Updated March 13, 2020 at 4:28PM

Businesses, nonprofits and hotels around the city are feeling the initial effects of COVID-19.

Many businesses are offering contact-less service, delivering goods from door-to-door, and providing workouts and other services online for customers who would otherwise have to venture from home.

News

Del Ray Dog Hall of Fame Nomination Deadline is April 3

By James Cullum

Published March 6, 2020 at 10:30AM

Del Ray sure loves its dogs, but does your canine companion have what it takes to make it on the Holy Cow Del Ray Dog Hall of Fame?

The deadline to submit nominations for the inaugural class is April 3, and we’re hearing that competition is fierce.

News

New Restaurant-Slash-Dog Park to Replace Flat Top Burger

By Vernon Miles

Published March 4, 2020 at 11:30AM

Move over Mount Purrnon Cat Cafe, there’s a new pet-themed restaurant in town.

Brewski’s Barkhaus — at 529 E. Howell Avenue, along Richmond Highway near Del Ray — is envisioned as a restaurant and dog park. It will be replacing the Flat Top Burger restaurant that closed last year.