Alexandria

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Driving over the Roosevelt Bridge on I-66 (Flickr pool photo by Brian Allen)

Fire Victim Identified — The victim of Thursday’s fatal house fire on S. Randolph Street has been identified. Family and friends said 73-year-old Dennis Lee was a retired contractor, a longtime Dallas Cowboys fan and a member of the local American Legion post. He died from smoke inhalation. In the wake of his death, firefighters plan to canvass Lee’s neighborhood to test and distribute smoke detectors. [NBC Washington – Warning: Auto-play video]

Preserving H-B’s Walls — The walls of the H-B Woodlawn secondary program are covered with more than 2,000 inscriptions from past graduating classes. School officials are considering ways to digitally preserve the painted walls when the program moves to Rosslyn in five years. [Falls Church News-Press]

Historic Designation for Wilson School? — Despite opposition from school officials, the county’s Historic Affairs and Landmark Review Board voted unanimously on Wednesday to recommend a local historic district designation for the Wilson School in Rosslyn. The Wilson School is the second-oldest school in Arlington and preservationists are trying to save it from being razed to make way for a larger building that will house the H-B Woodlawn program. [InsideNova]

Alexandria Has School Issues, Too — Like Arlington, neighboring Alexandria is also facing a school budget deficit and rising enrollment. Another issue facing Alexandria: competing with Arlington for teachers. Arlington’s average teacher salary is $76,892, compared to $73,612 in Alexandria. [Alexandria Times]

Arlington Named Top ‘Intelligent Community’ — For the third time, Arlington has been named one of the Top 7 Intelligent Communities in the world. “It is gratifying to have the Intelligent Community Forum recognize Arlington’s commitment to economic sustainability,” County Board Chair Mary Hynes said, in a statement. [Arlington Economic Development]

Destroyed N.J. Apartment Has Arlington Connection — The New Jersey apartment complex that burned to the ground, leaving hundreds homeless, is owned by Arlington-based AvalonBay Communities. The $80 million apartment complex was made from wood construction, which caused it to burn too quickly for firefighters to get it under control. [Bloomberg]

Flickr pool photo by Brian Allen

New High Intensity Fitness Facility Opens in Old Town

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Get a jumpstart on your New Year’s resolutions at Sand & Steel™ Fitness, a state-of-the-art training facility that opened last week at 109 S. Alfred Street in Alexandria.

A fresh take on the conventional gym model, Sand and Steel™ offers redefined personalized training, nutrition guidance, and unique group classes unparalleled in the industry.

A functional strength training gym, its memberships offer the best of plyometrics, bodybuilding, high intensity training, and gymnastic movements to name a few of its advanced functions. Its team focuses first and foremost on being teachers before trainers, educating clients to get stronger and live healthier sustainable lives.

The 2,400 square foot facility located in the heart of Old Town Alexandria, Va.(entrance located on Alfred Street), is scheduled to officially opened Saturday, January 3, 2015 with an open house Friday, January 2. Guests received complimentary: consultations, fitness assessments and mini-nutrition evaluations; along with treats, networking and raffle prizes.

Sand & Steel™ hosts a team of trainers that are led by founders Dawn Anderson and Paul Roberts, both of whom are CrossFit Level 1 Instructors, TRX STC Qualified, and Hard Style Kettlebell Certified (HKC). Safety is prioritized in all training movements, with trainers teaching only correct form to minimize any risk of injuries. Sand & Steel™ was founded on the belief that training (like health) should be all encompassing, so naturally custom nutrition programming is offered. Its Jump Start Package includes a customized food journal, instruction and macronutrient training and glycemic index review.

“We are pleased to have the gym open and initial feedback from the members has been fantastic! More importantly we look forward to providing the people of Alexandria first class tailored training at a reasonable value” said Paul Roberts, co-owner and head trainer at Sand & Steel™ Fitness. “Everyone has an athlete hidden deep down, Sand & Steel™ will help you find it.”

Earlier this year, The Club Industry Show, the fitness industry’s premiere expo awarded Sand & Steel™ Fitness co-owner and master trainer Dawn Anderson with a yearlong mentorship from Joe Cirulli, owner of Gainesville Health and Fitness Centers in Gainesville, Fla. As part of the mentorship, Anderson will visit Cirulli’s club over the course of the next year for personalized instruction.

The facility is designed to meet the needs of people of all ages, interests and fitness goals featuring the following amenities, all of which are included in its monthly membership fee:

  • Cardio Areas
  • Advanced Strength Training Equipment
  • Personal Training
  • Nutrition Evaluation
  • Open Gym Time
  • Body Composition and Health Assessment
  • Active Recovery & Stretch Clinics
  • Group Fitness Classes – schedule

Sand & Steel™ Fitness’ mission is to provide a targeted motivating fitness experience for all of its members and guests; its goal: to promote the physical and emotional wellbeing of the community it serves.  A vibrant, no judgment atmosphere, Sand & Steel™ offers community based events and member to member camaraderie.

Monthly memberships and drop in classes available. No sales pitches, the gym and its members do the talking.  There is fit, and then there’s is Sand & Steel™ Fit. Get Steel Strong™.

For more information, or memberships please visit www.SandandSteelFitness.com.

The preceding was a promoted post sponsored by Sand & Steel™ Fitness

Events, Awards and New Tenants at Co-Working Space in Alexandria

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Connect113, Alexandria’s original co-working space, is celebrating a busy fall full of new tenants, awards, and successful networking events.

Many ask, what is coworking and who uses these spaces? Coworking spaces, like Connect113, are popular with freelancers, contractors, entrepreneurs and startups alike. Co-working, a trend now on the rise, has already proven majorly successful with the number of general co-working spaces jumping 83% since 2013. With freelancers and independent contractors expected to make up 40% of the workforce by 2020, the need for co-working spaces has grown. (CBS News)

The allure of working in a shared space is the ability to make connections and bounce ideas off of other entrepreneurs and small businesses. Being at Connect113, Beth Lawton of Canoe Media, is able to hold free monthly office hours to discuss the ins-and-outs of digital media and marketing. This also serves as an opportunity for Beth to grow her network and potentially help many other start-ups like her own. “Connect113 has been great about opening their doors and letting me run my free office hours…It is very helpful to be able to connect with public and local small business,” added Lawton.

“It speaks volumes about who the young professionals are these days…the embodiment of the younger business perspective is entrepreneurship and creating rather than just managing,” explains Arthur Tamayo. Tamayo and his team are current members of Connect113 who’s start-up business, Guest House Events LLC, was just nominated for Best New Business by the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce.

“Connect113 is great for young businesses since they are always changing. You have the foundation of an office space but also the versatility to adjust to the ever changing business world.”

Multiple members explain how they have been able to truly bounce ideas off other members and get great feedback, which is very important in an entrepreneurial business, ‘since [entrepreneurs] live off ideas and need to bounce them off key leaders.’ Connect113 radiates a sense of community, bringing in both business leaders and start-up gurus. The space gives members not only a home, but also a family.

Originally launched in 2010, Connect113 now offers: 24-hour access, conference rooms, guest hours, kitchen, shower (yes, even a shower), a dedicated address/mailbox as well as building directory listing(s) and discounted rates for every additional team member of your growing business. Members receive all the essential amenities (wifi, supplies and coffee, of course) you would expect to find in a corporate setting along with the creative energy and camaraderie of a startup.

Furthermore, Connect113 offers monthly events geared toward networking with notable leaders such as professors, business experts, authors and successful entrepreneurs aimed at inspiring and educating its tenants and community as a whole.

Some of the most successful companies began with one desk, one chair and one idea. Utilize Connect113 to jump start your business, along-side some of the D.C. area’s brightest entrepreneurs.

This sponsored post was submitted by the advertiser.

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

View of R-B corridor from the Washington Monument (courtesy photo)

Alexandria Murder Suspect in Arlington Jail — Charles Severance, who’s charged in the murders of three Alexandria residents, has been transferred to the Arlington County Detention Facility in Courthouse. The transfer is intended “to avoid the appearance of a conflict of interest,” since Severance is charged in the murder of the wife of a former Alexandria sheriff. [Washington Post]

Roadside Sunflowers Chopped Down — A patch of sunflowers planted at the intersection of Lee Highway and North Powhatan Street has been cut down by VDOT after someone complained to say the flowers blocked her view while turning. The resident who has been planting the sunflowers for the past seven years mounted a sign in the flowers’ place saying “hope you are happy!” [Falls Church News-Press]

Bocce Produces Outcry in Reston, Too — Remember the neighborhood kerfuffle over a single proposed bocce court in Bluemont? Well, it turns out Arlington isn’t the only place where people get steamed about the sport. In Reston, residents are complaining about potential traffic, parking woes, drinking and the loss of green space after a bocce court was proposed. [Reston Now]

County Seeking ‘Human Rights Heroes’ — Arlington County is seeking nominees for the 16th annual James B. Hunter Human Rights Awards. The awards are intended to honor residents, community groups, non-profits or businesses that have made significant human rights achievements. [Arlington County]

Courtesy photo

Rooftop Pool Deck Brunch at Belle Pre Apartments (Promoted)

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Enjoy a brunch on Saturday, May 31, on the rooftop of 1111 Belle Pre Apartments, a former bottle factory that is now a luxury rental apartment in the heart of Old Town. The meal will be prepared by award-winning chefs Christophe and Michelle Poteaux of the wine bar and bistro Bastille. The chefs specialize in contemporary French fare using seasonal, locally sourced, and farm-fresh ingredients. Chef Christophe will also be on hand for an exclusive meet-and-greet during the brunch.

If the food doesn’t sound tempting enough, consider the setting. The Belle Pre rooftop lounge is a sprawling outdoor space with lounge chairs, a fire pit and a pool deck. You’ll eat French fare and sip cocktails poolside. Specialty cocktails include a Blood Orange Champagne Cocktail and a White Wine and Rosemary Infused Sangria. Music will be provided by DJ Damon, and there will be gifts for the first 100 brunchers.

Visitors are invited to take a tour of model apartments at 1111 Belle Pre before the complimentary brunch begins. The one- and two-bedroom units boast expansive windows, hardwood floors, and open gourmet kitchens with granite countertops, tile backsplashes and stainless steel appliances. Building amenities include the rooftop deck, a lounge with a theater, private dining room, and a fitness center with a yoga studio. Come and see what all the fuss is about: the building is already over 70% leased.

The rooftop brunch takes place on Saturday, May 31 from 12 to 3 pm — RSVP now!
 

Sponsored By Belle Pre Apartments.

1 & 2 Bedroom Apartments in Old Town Alexandria. From $1,700/mo. at 1111 Belle Pre!

Created By BlankSlate

Three Arlington Schools ‘Secured’ After Alexandria Shooting

By ARLnow.com

Police car lightsThree Arlington schools were “secured” following a deadly shooting in Alexandria this morning (Thursday).

After Arlington Public Schools received word of the shooting, on the 2400 block of Ridge Road in Alexandria, Gunston Middle School, Oakridge Elementary and Abingdon Elementary were placed in a secured state, which generally means exterior doors were locked. That’s different than a “lockdown,” in which all classroom doors are locked.

The shooting happened in a residential Alexandria neighborhood around 11:30 a.m. A 59-year-old woman was killed and another woman was injured. Police are still looking for the suspect, described as an older white male, according to the Washington Post.

Gunston, Oakridge and Abingdon were secured for about 20 minutes, according to APS spokeswoman Jennifer Harris. The schools are all near the border with Alexandria, but are 2+ miles away from the shooting itself. Arlington school officials sent the following message to parents during the incident.

APS is sending this message to notify you that Gunston Middle School, Oakridge Elementary School and Abingdon Elementary School buildings are currently secured, due to an ongoing Alexandria Police investigation in the immediate area. All students, staff, and visitors to the school are safe. APS will update you when we are able to resume normal operations. We are grateful for everyone’s cooperation.

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

"Dusting" (Flickr pool photo by Ddimick)

Renovations for Crystal City Sheraton — The Crystal City Sheraton hotel (1800 Jefferson Davis Highway) will close in mid-April and undergo renovations.. The 218-room hotel will reopen as a Westin. Nearly 100 workers will be laid off during renovations. [Washington Business Journal]

New Signage for WJLA Building Approved — A divided Arlington County Board has approved new rooftop signage for the office building at 1100 Wilson Blvd in Rosslyn, also known as the WJLA building. The board split its vote 3-2 after residents expressed concern that the new signage would “be detrimental to their neighborhoods” and local monuments. The potential signage is for an unnamed prospective client. [Sun Gazette]

Board Approves New Transportation Funding — The County Board on Tuesday gave the okay to Arlington’s share of a new regional transportation funding stream. The county will receive $11.4 million in the first year, which will go to support projects like the Columbia Pike streetcar, a western entrance to the Ballston Metro station, local transit service and “complete streets” improvements. [Arlington County]

Galaxy Hut Named Top Karaoke Spot — DCist has dubbed Clarendon’s Galaxy Hut (2711 Wilson Blvd) “Arlington’s favorite dive” and one of the “best places for karaoke in the D.C. area.” [DCist]

Alexandria is Poised for Growth — Arlington’s neighbor to the south, Alexandria, is poised to begin booming with new development. The city expects a new Potomac Yard Metro station and the impending move of the National Science Foundation to the Eisenhower Valley area to further spur development. [Washington Post]

Flickr pool photo by Ddimick

Arlington Deputy Convicted of Voluntary Manslaughter in Alexandria

By Ethan Rothstein

Craig Patterson (photo via Alexandria Police Department)(Updated at 6:20 p.m.) Arlington Sheriff’s deputy Craig Patterson was convicted in Alexandria court today of voluntary manslaughter in the May shooting death of 22-year-old Julian Dawkins.

Patterson was found not guilty of possession of a use of a firearm in commission of a murder. The jury spent more than a day deliberating over the verdict, which was handed down just after 1:00 p.m. Friday. The jury later recommended that Patterson be sentenced to 6 years in prison, according to a tweet from NBC4’s David Culver. A judge will decide on the sentencing in February.

Patterson, 45, was off-duty in May when he shot and killed Dawkins, an Alexandria resident and driver for PBS NewsHour in Shirlington. Patterson claimed the shooting was in self defense, while prosecutors argued he was shooting in rage after an argument.

From the Washington Post:

Patterson was forced to shoot, defense attorney Megan Thomas said in closing arguments, when charged by “an angry, drunk, belligerent man, armed with a deadly weapon.” The knife was found folded in Dawkins’ pocket; Thomas speculated that what Patterson saw was a cellphone.

Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Bryan Porter said in closing arguments that if Patterson meant to uphold the law, “the proper thing to do was to call the police . . .but he chose not to.”

Dawkins’ family and friends were in attendance to hear the verdict, and the scene in Alexandria Circuit Court became emotional after it was announced, according to WJLA’s Keff Goldberg.

Mother of Julian Dawkins, Gwen Pratt Miller, on stand at beginning of sentencing phase, sobbing, “he was my only son. He was all I had”.
— Jeff Goldberg (@jgoldbergABC7) December 13, 2013

Gwen Pratt Miller could not go on as her sobbing intensified. Several members of jury crying as well. Judge stopped process for recess.
— Jeff Goldberg (@jgoldbergABC7) December 13, 2013

Patterson has been on unpaid administrative leave since he was charged. Prosecutors were hoping for a first degree murder conviction, but jurors elected to convict Patterson of the lesser charge.

Arlington County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Maj. Susie Doyel released a statement Friday afternoon on the conviction.

“At this time, the Arlington County Sheriff’s Office will resume our internal investigation that was suspended upon the arrest of Deputy Patterson,” she wrote in an email. “Deputy Craig Patterson continues to be on leave without pay awaiting the outcome of the internal investigation.”

Photo via Alexandria Police Department

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Rainy commute (Flickr pool photo by Wolfkann)

Favola: Streamline Development Approval — State Senator and former County Board member Barbara Favola (D) is urging Arlington County to streamline its development approval process in order to make it easier for affordable housing projects to be built. At a fundraiser for the Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing this week, Favola and others said red tape and community resistance is making it more expensive to build affordable housing in Arlington. [Sun Gazette]

Arlington E-CARE Event This Weekend — Arlington will hold is biannual Environmental Collection and Recycling Event from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday. The event allows Arlington residents to safely dispose of household hazardous materials and to recycle items like bikes, small metal items, shoes, clothing, bed frames, etc. [Arlington County]

NSF Buyers Remorse in Alexandria? — Alexandria officials are thrilled to be taking the National Science Foundation and its more than 4,000 associated jobs from Arlington. But some are now voicing displeasure with a part of the incentive package for NSF that relieved the developer of the agency’s new headquarters from paying what would have been more than $1 million to the city’s affordable housing fund. [Patch]

Flickr pool photo by Wolfkann

Alexandria Sports and Entertainment Complex Proposal Nixed

By ARLnow.com

Rendering of proposed sports and entertainment complex in AlexandriaIt could have competed against Arlington County’s planned Long Bridge Park Aquatics, Health and Fitness Facility, but instead a proposal to build a massive sports and entertainment complex in Alexandria has been withdrawn.

It was announced in June that a company had submitted an unsolicited proposal to transform Alexandria’s Hensley Park into a sports and entertainment facility. The proposed complex included features like an Olympic-sized pool and water play area; basketball, volleyball, baseball and gymnastics centers; ice rinks; indoor tennis and squash courts; a climbing wall; and a driving range.

A pool, water play area, climbing wall and racquetball courts are all also part of Arlington’s plan for the Long Bridge Park facility. (County Board Chair Walter Tejada said in June that he did not expect the Alexandria proposal to impact the county’s plans.)

The St. James Group LLC announced yesterday (Tuesday) that it was withdrawing its unsolicited proposal after discovering that Hensley Park was acquired by Alexandria, in part, via a small federal grant. The grant prohibits development of the park.

The company says it will now seek other D.C. area locations for the complex.

“SJG remains committed to developing the premier sports and entertainment complex in the region,” the company said in a press release. Read the full press release, after the jump.

(more…)

Sheriff’s Deputy Murder Case Moves to Grand Jury

By Ethan Rothstein

Craig Patterson (photo via Alexandria Police Department)The first degree murder case against Arlington County Sheriff’s Deputy Craig Patterson from a fatal shooting in Alexandria in May was sent to a grand jury on Tuesday afternoon.

Patterson, 44, is accused of shooting and killing 22-year-old Julian Dawkins, an Alexandria resident. Patterson and his attorneys claim Dawkins attacked him with a knife, and he fired on Dawkins in self-defense. After hearing more than two hours of witness testimony, Alexandria General District Court Judge Becky J. Moore ruled there was probable cause to move forward and sent the case to a grand jury.

Alexandria Police Officer Judy Taylor, a crime scene investigator, testified that Dawkins, who drove a shuttle for PBS NewsHour in Shirlington, had a knife clipped to the outer portion of his jeans pocket, but it was folded up.

Alexandria Commonwealth’s Attorney Randy Sengel played in the courtroom the 911 call Patterson made after the shooting. It was the first time many, including Dawkins’ parents, had heard the call.

“I was just involved in a shooting,” Patterson said on the call, made at 12:45 a.m. on May 23. “I just had a young man pull a knife on me and I shot him.”

Dawkins suffered one bullet wound to the upper chest, investigators said. Witnesses testifying gave conflicting reports of the incident. Reginald White, who lives a few doors down from the scene of the incident on Lynhaven Drive, said he saw Patterson leave an argument with Dawkins, then return with a pistol holstered to his hip. Three minutes later, White said, he heard a gunshot.

Willie Sydnor, who lives a few houses down the street from where the shooting occurred, said he saw Dawkins chase Patterson after the initial incident.

Dawkins said “this is my block,” Sydnor testified. “Then I saw Julian jump at [Patterson] and say ‘don’t come back around here.'”

Officer David Chamnaiphol was the first to the scene, and he said he immediately placed Patterson in handcuffs and took away his gun, badge, handcuffs, cell phone and wallet. The Officer of the Medical Examiner reported that Dawkins had a blood alcohol content of 0.15.

The courtroom was filled to the point where members of the community were standing along the back wall to fit inside. Many of Dawkins’ peers were wearing commemorative T-shirts that said “R.I.P. Juju.” Dawkins’ parents took questions outside of the Alexandria courthouse once the decision came down, giving their reaction to hearing the 911 call for the first time.

“After hearing that call, I truly feel that it was premeditated,” Gwen Prattmiller, Dawkins’ mother, said.

“He had no remorse,” said Curtis Dawkins, Julian Dawkins’ father. “Right now we’re thankful that a decision was made and it was the proper decision.”

Photo via Alexandria Police Department

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