Alexandria: Transit Improvements Arriving
Governor announces road and rail projects.
The Atlantic Gateway is underway. Gov. Terry McAuliffe discussed the details of the $1.4 billion plan to reform regional road and rail projects at Alexandria’s Union Station on July 8. For Northern Virginia, the program means road expansions and more express lanes, but for Alexandria a big piece of the proposed improvements could be the rebuilding of the Long Bridge parallel to the 14th Street Bridge.
Alexandria: Residents React to Revenge Killing
Police chief says July 2 murder was “street justice.”
The July 2 murder of Saquan Hall in the 1000 block of First Street comes only weeks after the murder of Pierre Clark less than a block away. At a community meeting on July 6, local residents urged the audience to come together. But many said they couldn’t escape the sense that these same pleas and plans had been spoken again and again at these meetings but the violence keeps occurring.
Alexandria: Trying To Ease the Pains of Childhood Hunger
Massive need requires massive effort.
Childhood hunger in Alexandria is just beyond the doorstep. Some of the underlying causes include lack of knowledge about the existence of the problem or the resources available to alleviate it.
Alexandria: ‘Not a Box’ Now on Display
New installation exhibit at the Torpedo Factory.
“Not a Box” is the Art League Gallery’s first installation exhibit. All 13 pieces transform the gallery space using a range of materials and techniques.
Alexandria: Opening Day Fire Engulfs Al’s Steakhouse
Fundraiser to be held at Holy Cow July 14.
Al’s Steakhouse, a favorite in the Del Ray community for decades, suffered extensive damage when a three-alarm fire swept through the restaurant July 6, the grand reopening day for new owners Emily Breeding and the Breeding family.
Making America Pokémon Trainers Again
Pokémon Go is a hit in Alexandria.
Across the street from Pop’s Ice Cream, on a path that runs through Oronoco Bay Park, even down the road from the VéloCity Bicycle Cooperative on Del Ray’s Mt. Vernon Avenue — these are all places that digital creatures, known as Pokémon, can appear in the new smartphone game “Pokémon Go.”
Alexandria: Learning about Civil War from a ‘Drill Sergeant’
Nine children — eight boys and one girl — aged 9 to 12, participated in Fort Ward’s Civil War Kid’s Drill Day on Saturday, July 9, from 9 a.m. to noon.
Celebrating Alexandria's 267th Birthday
Members of the Alexandria community gathered to celebrate the city’s 267th birthday at Oronoco Bay Park on Saturday, July 9. Spectators were able to enjoy an evening of live music along with birthday cupcakes and a variety of food vendors. The night concluded with a performance from the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra and a fireworks display.
Alexandria: Governor Discusses Voting Rights Restoration
Ex-convicts meet with governor to discuss voting rights restoration.
The right to vote is one of the most fundamental American freedoms, and one denied to many Virginians released from prison on felony charges. On June 29, Gov. Terry McAuliffe met in Alexandria’s Northern Virginia Urban League with advocates for the restoration of ex-inmate’s rights.
Portner Brewing Returns to Alexandria
Great, great granddaughters of Robert Portner plan to resurrect family legacy in the city.
Though separated by a century and a half, Robert Portner and his great, great granddaughters Catherine and Margaret Portner have a few things in common.
Alexandria: Bikeshare Installation Draws Local Ire
“I’m not happy when the city is acting as though they are above the law.”
The Capital Bikeshare’s journey into Old Town is off to a bumpy start. While city officials say the Capital Bikeshare has been a success so far, one particular station has incensed local residents who say the city isn’t following its own implementation rules. Residents say their objection to the South Royal Street Bikeshare station has nothing to do with the bikeshare or bikes in the city, but anger over the city installing a colorful sign without any type of approval or public outreach.
Alexandria: Inmates Honored at Ceremony
Sheriff Dana Lawhorne and his staff held a graduation ceremony on June 21 to honor several inmates at the William G. Truesdale Adult Detention Center for their recent educational achievements.
Alexandria Brief: Police Investigate Homicide
The Alexandria Police Department is investigating a murder that occurred in the 1000 block of First Street on Saturday, July 2.
Alexandria and Mount Vernon: Hundreds Pack Airplane Noise Meeting
Flight changes have caused deafening conditions at homes
At a meeting convened for community members to discuss airplane noise complaints, the irony of some struggling to hear over the sound of planes taxiing just outside the packed lounge at Reagan Washington National Airport’s historic Terminal A wasn’t lost on the audience of more than 300.
Burke Resident to Open New Exhibition at Torpedo Factory in Alexandria
Kathleen Best Gillmann of Burke is set to open an exhibition of her paintings depicting coastal landscapes titled “Vision at Water’s Edge” beginning July 6 at the Torpedo Factory in Alexandria.