News: September 4, 2008

Paws for the Park Planned for October 18:
The Old Town North Community Partnership’s Fall Event, “Paws for the Park” features doggie games, prizes, raffle items, food and drink, and more! Save Saturday morning October 18 for the Second Annual Paws for the Park. More information will be coming to you soon from our dedicated Events Committee led by Margaret Townsend of River’s Edge Studio. Margaret would be happy to hear from volunteers interested in staffing the event on that Saturday, as well as from Old Town North businesses who want to contribute raffle items, have display booths, or sponsor the event. Please drop a line to our email, info@oldtownnorth.org.

OTNCP meeting scheduled for September 18:
Join us at 7:30 pm on Thursday September 18 for our first meeting since the summer break. On the agenda: updates on plans and proposals that may affect our neighborhood in the future (St. Anthony’s Day School, ABC site, Robinson Terminal, bus barn, redevelopment of an old motel on Washington Street) or have impacts on walkability/drivability in our neighborhood (Motorcoach Task Force, bicycle-oriented improvements and amenities); plans for Paws in the Park; and the dog park survey of residents that is the next step in the Montgomery Park improvement program.

Alexandria Waterfront Plan:
The Alexandria Planning Department has released a request for proposals for a consultant to assist it in preparing its new Waterfront Plan. The planning effort is anticipated to begin in January. The Old Town North Community Partnership is listed as one of the organizations that is a stakeholder and resource to the consultant team. We’ll keep you informed as the study progresses.

On the City’s public hearing docket for approval:

  • The Old and Historic District Board of Architectural Review considered an application by Red Peg Marketing at for a new sign on Madison Street to match their existing sign at 727 North Washington Street
  • The Planning Commission considers on September 4 an application for change of ownership, extended hours, and additional students for a Yoga Center at 816 N. St. Asaph Street.
  • Also on the Planning Commission docket September 4: a worksession (not public hearing) on the proposed redevelopment of the James Bland public housing units – those west of Washington Street along Montgomery and Madison Streets.

Frolic at Fun Fall Festivals (and other events in our area):

  • September 13 and 14 – The Festival of the Arts takes place once again on lower King Street – artists and vendors of paintings, sculpture, pottery, photography, and others.
  • September 21 – the Old Town Civic Association hosts its annual membership event on the Cherry Blossom from 6 to 9 pm. For a modest fee, join them for food, drink, and a short cruise.
  • September 22 – Agenda Alexandria hosts a dinner/speaker meeting focused on the Performing Arts
  • October 4: Art on the Avenue, 50 to 100 craftspeople on Mt. Vernon Avenue, with music, food, and entertainment for children

And now, a serious announcement:
Our weather channels report that Hurricane Hanna may be headed our way on Saturday, September 6, and that another hurricane, Ike, may also affect us in the coming week. Please read the City of Alexandria’s recommendations below:

City of Alexandria Urges Residents to Be Prepared for Storms and Severe Weather
The City of Alexandria urges residents to be prepared this weekend for severe weather that may bring heavy rains, high winds, and flooding from storms currently developing in the Atlantic. Residents are encouraged to make a plan, ensure they have adequate emergency supplies, and stay informed about severe weather that could significantly affect the region.

Being prepared requires making an emergency response plan. The plan should also ensure you and your family knows how to contact each other during an emergency, and identify a meeting place in case family members are separated and unable to return home. For more information on developing a family or business emergency plan, visit www.alexandriava.gov/citizencorps.

Essential services could be lost during severe weather. Residents who experience power outages must call Dominion Virginia Power at 1.888.667.3000 to report the outage. Each call is important for providing Dominion with information about specific power outages.

Having adequate supplies is essential in an emergency. Emergency supplies should include the following items:

  • a three- to five-day supply of water (one gallon per person, per day)
  • a three- to five-day supply of nonperishable food and a manual can opener
  • first aid supplies
  • a week’s supply of medications
  • a flashlight, battery-powered radio, and extra batteries
  • adequate supplies for infants and pets
  • a list of contact numbers for family members, friends, doctors

Emergency messages will be posted on the City’s Web site, www.alexandriava.gov; City of Alexandria Channel 70, and sent to the local media. Residents may also subscribe to emergency alerts through eNews (enews.alexandria.gov), a free City service that sends electronic messages to mobile phones, pagers, or e-mail.

For more information on preparing for emergencies, please visit www.alexandriava.gov or the Virginia Department of Emergency Management at www.vaemergency.com.

This enews is compiled by the Old Town North Community Partnership. If you have any questions, comments, or follow-up, or news items you want to submit for the next edition, please write to info@oldtownnorth.org. Subscriptions are “opt-in” by writing to the same email address.