News: February 2006

Taste of Old Town North event planned for May

The Second Annual Taste of Old Town North is planned to take place in Montgomery Park on May 18. Last year’s event featured food samples from eight restaurants in our neighborhood, music sponsored by Alexandria’s Department of Parks and Recreation, and keynote remarks by Mayor Bill Euille. More than 600 residents, employees, and friends of Old Town North enjoyed the event.

This year’s Taste of Old Town North promises to be even better: more restaurants, displays by area businesses, and additional recreational activities will be featured. The event is free and open to all.

Jay Palermino of Hollin Hall Pastries and Willow Restaurant has once again agreed to coordinate the event for the Old Town North Community Partnership. We are currently forming a planning and volunteers committee. If you are interested in helping us plan the Taste of Old Town North, please contact Bruce Machanic at 703-836-8066 or email us at info@oldtownnorth.org.

Additional festivals and events planned for summer

The 400th Anniversary Celebration of the Founding of Jamestown will be on the waterfront from May 25 through June 5. Locations include the south end of Founders Park, the City Marina, King Street Park, the unit block of lower King Street, and Waterfront Park. More information will be available as the date approaches from www.jamestown2007.org or www.funside.com.

The 25th annual Alexandria Red Cross Waterfront Festival is planned for June 17-18 in Oronoco Bay Park. Check www.waterfrontfestival.org for more information.Alexandria’s Birthday Celebration is scheduled for July 8 in Oronoco Bay Park. The event features Big Band sounds at 9 pm and fireworks at 10 pm.

Montgomery Park Plan approved; improvements to start soon

Following City Council approval of the plan in January, the way is clear for the beginning of construction of park improvements. We are hoping that the first project will be the removal of the fence along Fairfax Street and First Street (other than around the dog park), to be followed by construction of a path from the parking spaces eastward toward the Radisson Hotel and installation of a gazebo structure to provide protection during festivals or to host picnics. We are also working on installation of a community information sign that will allow us to post information about upcoming events and items such as the approved park plan.

TC Williams Crew Program about to start spring season

The TC Williams Crew Program, operating from the Boathouse at the foot of Madison Street, starts its spring practice and meet season on Tuesday, February 27. High school rowers practice in the afternoons every weekday. Local events include the annual Run v. Row event on March 25, in which rowers compete against runners in a 10k race and 4K walk, and boat races on the Potomac on April 1 and April 8.

City council and school board elections slated for May

City Council members and the Mayor are elected every three years. The election takes place on May 2 this year. Every member is elected at large, representing the entire city rather than specific neighborhoods. The Democratic Party recently held a caucus and nominated six candidates for City Council: Paul Smedberg, Rob Krupicka, Del Pepper, Ludwig Gaines, Andrew MacDonald (all incumbents) and experienced newcomer Tim Lovain (www.alexdems.org) Bill Euille will again head the Democratic ticket as candidate for Mayor. The Republican Party has announced the following candidates: Ken Foran, Craig Miller, Bernie Schulz, Pat Troy, and Van Van Fleet. (www.alexgop.org)

The School Board election occurs on the same schedule as the City Council election. Three candidates each from three districts are to be selected. The candidate filing deadline is March 7.

Several candidates’ forums are planned throughout the city. One is being planned in early April at our Radisson Hotel – more information will be provided in our next newsletter.

The voter registration deadline is April 3. Additional information of voting procedures and precincts is available on www.alexandriavoter.org or at the Voter Registration office at 132 North Royal Street.

News of projects in and around Old Town North

  • Groundbreaking for the Monroe Avenue Bridge took place on February 10. Plans and construction status information are to be made available on www.potomacyardalexandria.com
  • Construction is about to start on the Postmasters site, North Royal Street at First Street. The developer, Holladay Corporation, is working with neighbors to minimize construction issues.
  • Redevelopment of the Metro Bus Barn is inching closer to reality, as the prospective purchaser makes the rounds of Metro and Richmond to work out details of the substitute bus yard being offered.
  • The ABC site is also close to redevelopment by a residential builder who has completed several projects in Old Town. We are hoping that the redevelopment will be such as to allow our Giant store to remain or be incorporated into a new development.
  • Developer Larry Brandt is planning a residential project on Washington Street (west side) on the block formerly occupied by 7-11, a printer, dry cleaner, and check cashing business.
  • The Armed Forces Benefit Association is continuing its planning efforts for its headquarters block. The concept plan calls for demolishing the Jefferson Building (white marble office building) on the corner of Washington and Montgomery Streets and replacing it with a new building more in keeping with the character of Washington Street. However, this can only take place in 2013 or later when the association takes possession of the land under the Jefferson Building.
  • The Planning Department continues to plan for the Braddock Metro area, west of Washington Street. This plan is important for Old Town North, as we have many relationships with the Braddock neighborhood, including using the Metro Station and as future customers of its planned grocery and retail stores. Get the latest plans and updates at www.alexandriava.gov, Planning & Zoning tab.
  • A waterfront planning effort is expected to begin this spring. The City’s Waterfront Committee will be involved; Engin Artemel is our neighborhood’s representative. The Alexandria Chamber of Commerce has also formed a Waterfront Committee.
  • Any winter snow issues? Call the T&ES operations division at 703-838-4488 for information.

Questions about the activities of the Virginia legislature? Contact our representatives, Senator Patsy Ticer, 804-698-7530, district30@sov.state.va.us, or Delegate David Englin, DelDEnglin@house.state.va.us,
804-698-1045.

SIGN UP FOR OLD TOWN NORTH COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP MAILING LIST

Please send an email with your contact info@oldtownnorth.org. Or complete and mail the form below to Old Town North Community Partnership, c/o Montgomery Center, 300 Montgomery Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314.