Eisenhower Valley | ALXnow

Officials: ‘Snob Factor’ in City Zoning Makes Creating Affordable Housing in Eisenhower Harder

Published December 5, 2019 at 11:45AM

The city is hoping to bring new affordable housing to the Eisenhower Valley, but some on the Planning Commission said the city is shooting itself in the foot with snobby development guidelines.

The plans to reshape Eisenhower — a topic that came up several times this week — went to the Planning Commission on Tuesday, Dec. 3. While the commission mostly praised the vision presented in the plans, Commissioner Mindy Lyle pointed out that efforts to create more affordable housing in the area are inadvertently hamstrung by the city’s own zoning and design practices.

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Inside the Hidden Treasure Trove of Small Businesses in Eisenhower West

By Vernon Miles

Published December 4, 2019 at 3:30PM | Updated December 4, 2019 at 3:56PM

Rock climbing section in Sportrock (staff photo by Vernon Miles)

(Updated at 3:55 p.m.) In the shadow of the Covanta trash incinerator, just north of the Metro tracks, a small garden of unique, local businesses is blooming.

The West End Business Center (5308 Eisenhower Avenue) and Van Dorn Metro Business Center (5416 Eisenhower Avenue) look like average industrial uses, but several of the businesses inside this suite offer unique services that are relatively hidden from those who don’t already frequent the Eisenhower West area.

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What’s Ahead for the Eisenhower Valley?

By Vernon Miles

Published December 3, 2019 at 9:35AM

2010 Eisenhower Avenue (Staff photo by Jay Westcott)

There are big things in store for Eisenhower Valley, and local leadership says the southwest Alexandria neighborhood is ready for its moment in the spotlight.

The city is in the middle of developing an update to its master plan for the Eisenhower Valley. Leadership from the Eisenhower Partnership — an organization that recently celebrated its 25th anniversary — spoke with ALXnow about how they see that plan taking shape.

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City Asks for Public Input on Eisenhower East Plan

By Vernon Miles

Published November 25, 2019 at 2:15PM | Updated November 25, 2019 at 2:52PM

Rendering of a proposed park under the Eisenhower Metro station (image via City of Alexandria)

As Eisenhower East continues to grow, the City of Alexandria is hoping for input on how to shape the community as it continues to grow.

City staff is working on an update to the 2003 Eisenhower East Small Area Plan. A lot has changed for the area since 2003, with the National Science Foundation moving in and new developments taking shape. A draft of the update to the Small Area Plan focuses on how to build or maintain affordable housing and open space amid new development in the area.

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Winter is Coming to Cameron Run Regional Park Tomorrow

By Vernon Miles

Published November 14, 2019 at 12:45PM | Updated November 14, 2019 at 1:48PM

Jake Bumbrey looks over the ice before opening day (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

The summer waterpark season at Cameron Run Regional Park (4001 Eisenhower Avenue) is over, but winter festivities are scheduled to kick off tomorrow (Friday) for the new Ice & Lights Winter Village.

The centerpiece of the park is a 55-by-80-foot ice rink, but there are activities throughout the park, like a lighted tunnel, heated igloos, and fire pits.