Carlyle Towers Residents Blog

Posting on CarlyleTowers.com

2012-10-07T22:15:00.000-04:00

Please visit http://www.carlyletowers.com for further posts. Thank you.

1 BR Apartment Needed at Carlyle Towers Condominiums

2012-07-30T10:44:00.000-04:00

Renter who currently resides in the East building is looking for another 1BR unit at Carlyle Towers. See the posting at this link. To view other resident postings in our new BuildingLink system visit this link.

Have you signed up for our resident portal yet?

Don't Miss: 9th Annual Comcast Outdoor Film Festival in Historic Old Town Alexandria on July 13 & 14

2012-07-13T12:08:00.000-04:00

The City of Alexandria will host the 9th Annual Comcast Outdoor Film Festival on Friday, July 13 and Saturday, July 14 at Waterfront Park, 1A Prince St. All movies begin at approximately 8:30 pm (at dusk). Admission is free.

The 2012 film schedule is as follows:

Friday, July 13 - Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol
Saturday, July 14 - We Bought a Zoo

Popcorn, homemade lemonade, and other food items will be available for sale. A portion of the proceeds earned will benefit Boys & Girls Club of Greater Washington, Alexandria Chapter. Participants may bring blankets or lawn chairs to sit on, and coolers and outside food items are welcome. No grilling allowed.

In the event of rain, the evening’s film showing will be cancelled. Call the Special Events Hotline at 703.746.5592 for weather related cancellations.

Visitors to the historic district are encouraged bike, walk or take the Metrorail Yellow or Blue lines to the King Street Station and take King Street Trolley to the festival. The free King Street Trolley will operate between the waterfront and the King Street Metro until midnight. For DASH schedule information, call 703.746.DASH or visit www.dashbus.com. For Metrobus schedule information, call 202.637.7000 or visit www.wmata.com.

The Outdoor Film Festival is cosponsored by the City of Alexandria and Comcast.

Notice - Old Town Area Parking Study Work Group Meeting

2012-07-13T09:54:00.000-04:00

The Old Town Area Parking Study Work Group (OTAPS) has reconvened and will hold their second meeting on Tuesday, July 17 from 5:30 - 7:30 in City Hall on the 2nd floor in room 2000, the Chet & Sabra Avery Conference Room.

The Work Group will discuss the existing parking occupancy data in Residential Parking Districts, the City’s existing Residential Parking Permit Program (RPP) and best practices.

Meetings are open to the public. Meeting materials will be made available at www.alexandriava.gov/ParkingStudies#OldTownStudy.

If you have questions or need further information, please contact Faye Dastgheib at faye.dastgheib@alexandriava.gov, or call 703.746.4139.

AGENDA

History and Background
Existing Conditions
Alternatives for Consideration
Group Discussion
Public Comment
Adjournment

East Building Driveway Post Being Repaired

2012-07-11T17:50:00.000-04:00

Contractor was out in the East building drive today repairing the brick post that was damaged by a moving truck recently.

Excessive Heat Warning For The City of Alexandria, Virginia

2012-07-07T12:21:00.000-04:00

The National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Warning for the entire Washington, DC metropolitan region, including the City of Alexandria, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. today.

The hot temperatures, combined with high humidity, will cause heat indices to reach 110 degrees, or more. Excessive heat is expected to last through tomorrow evening, and the combination of hot temperatures and high humidity will create a situation in which heat-related illnesses can occur.

For information on City facilities available as cooling centers, City pools, and tips on remaining healthy in the heat, visit http://alexandriava.gov/48452.

City of Alexandria Birthday Celebration - Time Change

2012-07-06T18:08:00.000-04:00

In order to protect the public health and safety of residents, visitors and businesses, the City’s Birthday Celebration program will run as scheduled beginning at 7:30 p.m. instead of 4 p.m. Oronoco Bay Park will be open to the public all day, but the Birthday Celebration will not kick off until 7:30 p.m., and the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra concert will begin at 8:30 p.m., with fireworks to follow at 9:30 p.m.

The heat wave affecting the Mid-Atlantic is forecast to continue this weekend, with a Heat Warning and temperatures of more than 102 degrees with Code Red Air Quality expected on Saturday, July 7.

The City advises that persons who are elderly, people with chronic health or fragile medical conditions, and infants and young children not attend, due to the potential for heat-related illness. If you are in doubt as to whether you and your family can handle the heat, stay home. Even young and healthy people can get sick from prolonged exposure if they do not adequately protect themselves. Air-conditioning is the number-one protective factor against heat-related illness and death.

Residents who are planning to attend the Birthday Celebration should take the following steps to protect themselves from the excessive heat:

Drink 2 to 4 glasses of cool fluids each hour.
Wear loose, light-colored clothing and stay in the shade outdoors whenever possible.
Protect yourself from the sun’s rays by wearing sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and bring an umbrella for shade.
Monitor people around you for signs of heat-related illness. · Don't drink liquids that contain alcohol or large amounts of sugar, which can cause you to lose more body fluid.
Avoid very cold drinks, because they may cause stomach cramps.

At the event, Verizon will provide free Internet and worldwide telephone services in an air-conditioned mobile unit so people can make phone calls and access the Internet while seeking relief from the heat.

July 4 Power Outage @ Carlyle Towers - FYI

2012-07-05T09:45:00.000-04:00

As most of you are aware, we experienced another power outage yesterday morning. We lost power at approximately 5:30 am - it was restored at approximately 7:45 am.

Dominion Power customer service informed management that the outage was necessary to correct problems in their system that resulted from the recent storm. No notice was given prior to the outage. The customer service representative also informed management, unfortunately, that other outages may be necessary as they continue to correct issues in their system. Customer service informed management that Alexandria was the hardest hit with regard to damage – it was categorized as "catastrophic."

Hopefully, additional outages will not be necessary.

Calling All Blood Donors! INOVA Needs You!

2012-07-03T13:46:00.000-04:00

INOVA needs blood and has issued a call for blood donors.

Via Old Town Alexandria Patch

Inova Blood Donor Services is calling for eligible blood donors to visit their local blood center or mobile blood drive to donate blood or platelets as soon as possible.

Donors may schedule an appointment, or find a blood drive or donor center in proximity by visiting www.inova.org/donateblood or calling 1-866-BLOODSAVES, or 866-256-6372.

"The inventory of blood at Inova has been severely impacted by a lower than normal blood donor participation rate attributable to an unseasonably mild early spring coupled with summer activities and vacations,” said Inova Blood Donor Services Director Terri Craddock. “This has lead to critically low inventory levels of blood and platelets, leaving hospitals vulnerable in response to emergency patients as well as challenged in meeting in or out-patient procedures requiring the use of blood and blood products."

Inova must collect daily approximately 250 units to keep up with demand, yet collections have dropped to between 150 to 200 units daily. All blood types are needed, but especially O positive, O negative, B negative and A negative in order to meet patient demand this summer.

Blood testing can take 24 to 48 hours before the blood is available to patients.

Traffic Advisory Seminary Road Closed Between Echols Ave and Beauregard St

2012-07-02T13:55:00.000-04:00

A water main break has occurred at Seminary Road and Fairbanks Avenue. Seminary Road is currently closed in both directions between Echols Avenue and Beauregard Street. Please use alternate routes. If your water service is affected, please call Virginia American Water at 1.800.452.6863.

The Ring Of Fire (Video)

2012-07-01T11:06:00.000-04:00

It's not going to be quite as hot as Friday or yesterday but the heat wave still continues.

Many Traffic Lights Still Dark Around Alexandria - Be Careful! (Video)

2012-07-01T10:52:00.000-04:00

Many intersections remain dark and continue to be dangerous - please treat these as 4 way stops as the law requires. The police are still spread too thin to cover all of the intersections.

Streets Remain Closed Due To DC Storm

2012-07-01T07:21:00.000-04:00

These eight city streets remain closed in Alexandria, Va.:

Mosby Street at West Mount Ida Avenue
Roosevelt Street at Scroggins Street
1800 block of Russell Road
2200 block of Beauregard Street
200 block of Queen Street
100 block of North West Street
300 block of Alabama Avenue
2700 block of Kenwood Avenue

The streets are closed because fallen trees have become entangled with power lines and, for safety reasons cannot be cleared until crews from Dominion Power are available. Residents are advised to be patient and to stay away from these streets until further notice.

Alexandria Police to Conduct Roaming DWI Enforcement Tonight!

2012-06-29T15:04:00.000-04:00

On June 29, Alexandria police will conduct a roaming DWI enforcement effort to deter and apprehend intoxicated drivers. The DWI crackdown will begin at 8:00 P.M. on Friday, June 29, and will continue until 6:00 A.M. on Saturday, June 30. Motorists will be stopped and drivers will be checked to assure that their abilities to drive have not been impaired by alcohol or drugs.

Chief of Police Earl L. Cook reminds drivers that the maximum penalty in Virginia for the first conviction for driving under the influence is 12 months in jail, a $2,500 fine and a 12-month suspension of driving privileges. In addition, there are mandatory jail terms associated with these offenses, depending upon the blood alcohol content of the driver. Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles administrative fees may apply as well.

For further details, please call the Public Information Office at 703.746.6600.

Excessive Heat Warning Issued for City of Alexandria

2012-06-29T13:52:00.000-04:00

The National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Warning for the entire Washington, DC metropolitan region, including the City of Alexandria, until 9 p.m. today. The hot temperatures, combined with high humidity, will cause heat indices to reach 110-115 degrees. An Excessive Heat Watch will remain in effect through Saturday evening, and an extended heat wave could last through July 5. The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity will create a situation in which heat-related illnesses can occur.

For information on City facilities available as cooling centers, City pools, and tips on remaining healthy in the heat, visit http://alexandriava.gov/62490

Excessive Heat Watch Issued for the City of Alexandria

2012-06-28T15:39:00.001-04:00

The National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Watch for the entire Washington, DC metropolitan region, including the City of Alexandria, beginning on Friday morning. Excessive heat could last through July 5. On Friday, temperatures are expected to reach near 100 degrees. The hot temperatures, combined with high humidity, will cause heat indices to approach 110 degrees.

The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity will create a situation in which heat-related illnesses can occur. Children, the elderly, and people with chronic ailments are usually the first to suffer from the heat. Heat exhaustion, cramps, or in extreme cases, heat stroke can result from prolonged exposure to these conditions. During extended heat waves, people are advised to:

stay indoors and limit exposure to the sun;
drink plenty of water;
wear loose, lightweight and light-colored clothing;
check on neighbors that may be at risk or do not have access to air conditioning; and
keep children and pets indoors.

Cooling Centers

A number of air-conditioned City facilities are available. Most City recreation centers are open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. For more information on their locations, visit alexandriava.gov/RecreationCenters. All City libraries are open today from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For a complete listing of City libraries, visit www.alexandria.lib.va.us.

Pools

The City’s Old Town (1609 Cameron St.) and Warwick (3301 Landover St.) swimming pools provide relief from the effects of excessive heat. For more information about these and other City pools, visit alexandriava.gov/Pools.
For more information on remaining healthy in the heat, visit alexandriava.gov/Health.

Get Ready For a Big Metrorail Fare Increase On Sunday (Video)

2012-06-28T10:55:00.000-04:00

Kytja Weir at the Washington Examiner breaks down the numbers. Basically, the long distance riders will get hit the hardest.

TRAFFIC ADVISORY - Telegraph Road South Closed June 28 Overnight

2012-06-27T14:51:00.000-04:00

Motorists strongly urged to use

alternate routes to avoid significant delays

The Woodrow Wilson Bridge Project will continue its ongoing work in the Telegraph Road interchange with a complete overnight closure of Telegraph Road Southbound beginning Thursday, June 28 at 10 p.m. through 5 a.m. Friday morning, June 29. Variable message signs will be posted to alert drivers and provide detour information when necessary. This work will have impacts on local traffic, and motorists are advised to seek alternate routes to avoid delays.

Weather permitting, the scheduled work includes:

Thursday, June 28 OVERNIGHT from 10 pm. to 5 a.m. the next morning:

Telegraph Road Southbound will be completely closed between Duke St. and Huntington Ave. The eastbound and westbound ramps from Duke Street to Telegraph Road South will be closed.

Detour for Southbound from Duke Street East: Motorists should continue on Duke Street eastbound to U.S. Route 1 South to Huntington Ave. West to Telegraph Rd.
Detour for Southbound from Duke Street West: Motorists should continue on Duke Street to Van Dorn Street South to the Outer Loop to Telegraph Road Southbound.

The ramp from the Capital Beltway Inner Loop (I-95/495 South) to Telegraph Road Southbound will be closed.

Inner Loop Detour: Motorists should continue on the Inner Loop to the Van Dorn Street exit, take the exit and proceed to the Outer Loop back to Telegraph Road.

Please use caution when traveling in this area. All construction-related work and dates are subject to change, depending on weather, material and contractor availability or other unforeseen conditions. Go to www.wilsonbridge.com for the latest traffic and project information.

DASH Bus Service Alert: 4th of July Holiday

2012-06-27T12:57:00.000-04:00

If you take the bus to get around, DASH will be operating on a SUNDAY schedule for the Independence Day holiday on Wednesday, July 4, 2012.

For more information on DASH routes and schedules, visit www.dashbus.com.

Reminder: No Fireworks Allowed In Alexandria, Virginia

2012-06-26T17:26:00.000-04:00

The Alexandria Fire Department reminds those who visit, live, and work in the City of Alexandria that it is unlawful for any person to store, offer for sale, expose for sale, sell at retail, use or explode any fireworks (including sparklers) within the City limits. The Fire Marshal will, at the owner's expense, seize and take all fireworks found in the City. The above offenses are Class One misdemeanors in the City of Alexandria and are punishable by a $2,500 fine and/or up to 12 months in prison. Fireworks violations may be reported to the Alexandria Fire Department at 703.746.5227 or the Alexandria Police Department at 703.746.4444.

Decades of tragic experience have proved that fireworks are too dangerous to be used at home by amateurs. Improper handling of fireworks and sparklers all too often results in injuries. Some interesting statistics:

In 2010, U.S. hospital emergency rooms saw an estimated 8,800 people for fireworks-related injuries. (Source: CPSC’s NEISS)
Half (52%) of the 2010 fireworks injuries were burns, while one-fifth (21%) were contusions and lacerations.
Two of five (39%) people injured by fireworks were under the age of 15.
Males accounted for 65% of the injuries.
The risk of fireworks injury was highest for children ages 5-14 with more than twice the risk for the general population.
Sparklers, fountains and novelties alone accounted for 43% of the emergency room fireworks injuries in 2010.

The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend one of the many public displays. Alexandrians can enjoy the excitement and beauty of fireworks at City-sponsored events. These programs are presented by professionals working in compliance with City codes and ordinances. For information on these events, call the Alexandria Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities special events line at 703.746.5592 or 703.746.5418.

Alexandria Food And Wine Festival Today! (Open Thread)

2012-06-23T12:59:00.000-04:00

Going to the Alexandria Food and Wine Festival today? What were your thoughts of the Festval?

Major Capital Beltway Outer Loop Closures June 22-25, 2012

2012-06-23T11:40:00.000-04:00

Weather permitting, the Woodrow Wilson Project is planning to shift the THRU/LOCAL split on the Capital Beltway Outer Loop (I-95/495 North) this weekend, June 22-25, to just west of the Eisenhower Connector, after the Van Dorn exit in Virginia, to allow for final paving of the Outer Loop THRU and LOCAL lanes. This work is anticipated to cause major traffic back-ups on the Outer Loop over the weekend, and motorists are advised to “STAY AWAY” and find alternate routes.

The work will proceed as follows:

Friday night, June 22 from 9 p.m. until Monday morning, June 25 at 5 a.m.:

The Outer Loop THRU lanes will close, and the LOCAL lanes between Van Dorn Street and just after Telegraph Road will be reduced to one lane. All Outer Loop traffic will be routed onto this single lane for the duration of the weekend, and significant back-ups are expected. To ease congestion, the ramp from I-95 North to the Outer Loop (495 East) will be closed during the daytime on Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m., and all northbound I-95 traffic will be routed onto the Inner Loop (495 West) over the American Legion Bridge. Motorists may also continue onto I-395 North. Finally, the on-ramp from the Eisenhower Connector to the Outer Loop will be closed from June 22 until July 30.

Monday, June 25 at 5 a.m. until July 30:

The Outer Loop THRU lanes will be open and be in their final configuration. Motorists should be advised of the new Outer Loop split location, as they will need to decide earlier whether to use the THRU or LOCAL lanes to reach their destination. Motorists will be restricted to one Outer Loop LOCAL lane from the split to just past Telegraph Road until approximately July 30, when all lanes reopen in their final configuration. This work is expected to cause significant back-ups for Beltway and local traffic through the month of July, and motorists are strongly advised to use the Outer Loop THRU lanes or seek alternate routes to avoid delays. Only motorists who need to access Telegraph Road, U.S. Route 1 or I-295/National Harbor should use the single LOCAL lane; all other travelers are advised to use the THRU lanes, which will be able to exit at the MD 210 interchange.

This will be the last Beltway construction effort by the Project, and once complete, will resolve the “bottleneck” of lanes approaching the Wilson Bridge from Virginia.

Truck Backs Into East Building Gate

2012-06-23T08:21:00.000-04:00

Last night, we're told a moving truck backed into the East building gate nearly taking it down.

NORAD Exercises Tonight & Tomorrow Night

2012-06-18T15:58:00.000-04:00

The North American Aerospace Defense Command and a regional component will conduct training exercises Monday and Tuesday nights over the D.C. area.

The flights will be conducted in coordination with the FAA and other authorities overnight both Monday and Tuesday, between 11 p.m. and 5:30 a.m.

Civil aircraft, F-16s, and a U.S. Coast Guard HH-65 Dolphin helicopter will by flying over the region.

NORAD says the exercises will test interception and identification operations, as well as a visual warning system. It will also use the opportunity to certify new command and control personnel.

Feds Investigating COMCAST Over Antitrust Issues (Video)

2012-06-16T10:48:00.001-04:00

(Video via Newsy)