Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson is full of praise for the city’s COVID-19 response efforts, but the hard times are just beginning, he told ALXnow in a recent interview.
“Everyone is trying to find so many different ways to give back,” Wilson said. “It’s been very gratifying and we’re gonna need it because the need is only going to be exacerbated over the next couple of weeks and months, if not longer.”
A letter-writing campaign in Alexandria is underway to help break the isolation at some local senior care facilities.
The campaign is aimed at getting letters to three facilities: Sunrise of Alexandria (3520 Duke Street), Woodbine Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center (2729 King Street) and Brandywine Living at Alexandria (5550 Cardinal Place).
ACPS Releases Samples of Daily Schedules For Students — Alexandria City Public Schools, in their daily 1 p.m. update to parents, released sample daily schedules for students. The schedule includes time to wake up, taking a morning walk and three-and-a-half hours of academic time. [ACPS]
Alexandria Libraries Close Thru March 31 — “This was a difficult decision to make as we know how much people rely on their libraries to support their educational, entertainment, and recreational needs. However, libraries are a hub of community activity with some branches drawing hundreds of visitors per day.” [Alexandria Library]
Senior Communities Taking Extra Precautions — “In Alexandria specifically, we are screening visitors as they come in the door. We’re checking temperatures, [and] doing questionnaire work.” [WAMU]
NOVA Shifts to Remote Learning — “With growing concerns about the spread of the coronavirus COVID-19, Northern Virginia Community College, NOVA, is shifting to remote learning for all students beginning March 18. All classes will be cancelled March 16-17 to allow for the transition, according to a statement from the school.” [InsideNova]
City Releases Multi-Language Coronavirus Fact Sheets — “The Alexandria Health Department has made multiple resources available regarding the outbreak of the novel coronavirus (now called “COVID-19″), and the Department of Community and Human Services encourages residents to read and share this information, especially in communities where languages other than English are primarily spoken, and with vulnerable residents, including those who may not have access to traditional media.” [City of Alexandria]
ARHA Looks to Redevelop Affordable Housing Properties — “Alexandria is now looking to redevelop five of its public housing communities, putting out a call for developers to replace 288 affordable homes around the city while building new “mixed-income communities… The Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority recently issued a request for qualifications for interested developers on the projects, renewing a similar effort launched more than six years ago.” [Washington Business Journal]
Earlier: Alexandria police and Virginia State Police have issued a statewide Senior Alert for a missing Alexandria man.
Booker Smalley, 82, was last seen on the 800 block of N. Fairfax Street, police say.
Among the benefits of the new Aspire Alexandria project headed to the City Council this Saturday (Feb. 22) are a handful of new homes that could meet a critical need in the city.
Aspire Alexandria is a new housing development at 1112 First Street, where Tony’s Auto Service is today, aimed at offering independent senior living. The anticipated move-in age is between 77-82, but the facility will not offer direct assistance with daily living activities or memory care needs.
An auto garage near Braddock could be converted into a new 133-unit residential building for seniors.
The applicant, BRG Tony’s Gulf, LLC, is proposing a 70-foot tall structure called Aspire Alexandria at 1112 First Street, where Tony’s Auto Service is today. The new development would also include a 4,550 square-foot restaurant on the ground floor. The restaurant would be operated by the same management company but would be open to the public.
Alexandria could open up new zoning options in the city for “continuum of care” facilities that would offer local seniors a new option to age in place.
While elder care homes, group homes for the elderly, nursing homes and hospice care are all included in sections in the zoning code, staff said in a report that there’s no definition for senior facilities that offer a “range of care options from independent living to assisted living, with or without memory care services, within one facility.”
New Senior Care Center Set to Open in 2021 — “Construction is progressing quickly on a new senior care community in Old Town. Sunrise Senior Living broke ground on its new facility at the intersection of North Washington and Princess streets early this year. The McLean-based company is building a 93-room assisted living community.” [Alexandria Living]
Waterfront Construction Projects Well Underway — “Anyone living on Union Street in Old Town 10 years ago might not recognize it now… During the week, the street is crowded with construction vehicles, and there are several places where the sidewalk is temporarily blocked or under a protective awning because of the construction. Hardly the setting for tourists taking selfies.” [Gazette-Packet]
