Loudoun News Briefs

Sunday, November 30, 2008

Accident in Hamilton Area Cuts Power, Phone Service

A traffic accident Wednesday in the Hamilton area left a Leesburg man in critical condition and interrupted utility services.

The accident occurred about 2 a.m., when Joe Alberto Ayala, 19, lost control of his 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe on East Colonial Highway, the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office said. He moved into the westbound lane, overcorrected and slammed into two utility poles, sheriff's officials said. Speed and alcohol were believed to be factors in the crash, officials said.

A 17-year-old passenger in the vehicle was taken to a hospital, where he was treated for injuries that were not life-threatening and charged with possession of alcohol by a minor. Ayala, who was airlifted to Inova Fairfax Hospital, was facing charges of driving under the influence and contributing to the delinquency of a minor, authorities said.

The crash cut power temporarily to more than 3,000 homes, said Le-Ha Anderson of Dominion Virginia Power. Residents also lost telephone service, which was restored by Thursday afternoon, Verizon spokesman Harry J. Mitchell said.

Leesburg Council Eases New Holiday Parking Rules

Leesburg officials voted last week to allow free parking all day in the town garage during the holiday season, reversing a decision they had made this month. They left in place a two-hour limit on free parking at metered spaces downtown.

In the past three years, Leesburg provided free parking all day in the garage and at metered spaces, from Thanksgiving through New Year's Day.

On Nov. 12, they approved a two-hour limit on free parking in the garage and at meters for the holiday season, citing evidence that people had been abusing a policy meant to promote downtown shopping. A town study found that in 2006, 106 vehicles remained at the same metered spaces for more than a day.

But members of the Leesburg Downtown Business Association started a petition against the new restrictions, arguing that the two-hour limit would discourage customers from going to downtown stores and restaurants.

The council voted Tuesday to ease the restrictions. The holiday parking rules will be in effect through Jan. 1.

-- Compiled by KAFIA A. HOSH

Tagged: 2008 Holiday Season, Dominion Power, Hamilton, holiday, Leesburg, power line

Your Thoughts...

Are you happy that the school year is over?