Launched in January 2010, ARLnow.com is the place for the latest news, views and things to do around Arlington, Virginia. Started by a Pentagon City resident who has spent the past several years working in local TV news, ARLnow.com seeks to distinguish itself with original, enterprising, up-to-the-minute local coverage.
Fire department and utility company activity in Courthouse after power outage (courtesy photo)
Fire department and utility company activity in Courthouse after power outage (courtesy photo)
Power outage in the Clarendon and Courthouse area at 8 a.m. on 12/14/22 (via Dominion)
Fire department and utility company activity in Courthouse after power outage (courtesy photo)
(Updated at 9:35 a.m.) A swath of the Courthouse and Clarendon area is in the dark after reports of a possible transformer explosion.
The lights went out around 6:30 a.m. As of 7:30 a.m., 1,732 Dominion customers are still without power, according to the company’s website, though that number was down to around 1,100 as of 9 a.m.
“Arlington County is aware of a power outage in the Courthouse area,” the county earlier this morning in an Arlington Alert. “Use caution as street lights are out. Treat all intersections as a 4-way stop.”
Arlington firefighters were dispatched to the Avalon Courthouse Place apartment building at 1320 N. Veitch Street around 6:30 a.m. for a report of an underground transformer explosion and fire.
ACFD says the fire is out but there was “significant smoke in the parking garage requiring ventilation” and it expects the overhaul to be “an extended operation.” Some roads are closed in the area as a result of ongoing fire department activity.
#ALERT: Crews are operating at the scene of an underground transformer fire in the 1300 BLK of N. Veitch St. Fire was out upon arrival, however there is significant smoke in the parking garage requiring ventilation. Power is out in the area and this will be an extended operation pic.twitter.com/DYxVc521T7
Items and current bid prices range from a two-top table for $35 to a “Time to Dine” clock for $600 and a retro tabletop jukebox for $1,800. Also up for auction are iconic neon signs, vintage chairs, and other items.
The online auction closes just before midnight on Thursday, Dec. 22 and will benefit Real Food for Kids, the local nonprofit that works “to end hunger and bring nutrition security to children in Arlington” and the greater Washington region.
Silver Diner operated its Clarendon location for more than 25 years, serving up classic American comfort food with a modern twist. The new location, at the corner of N. Glebe Road and Wilson Blvd, is set to have a full bar plus 244 seats — 191 indoors and 68 on a seasonal outdoor patio.
The Ballston Metro station (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
A hazardous materials situation at the Ballston Metro station over the summer likely exposed riders to toxic gas from batteries.
That’s according to a report at this afternoon’s Washington Metrorail Safety Commission meeting.
As detailed in WMSC’s Twitter thread, the incident happened the evening of Thursday, Aug. 11 and involved old backup batteries in the station’s Train Control Room that were boiling over due to improper charging. On top of that, gas was released into the station because of a faulty ventilation system, according to WMSC.
A fire alarm went off after gas was detected coming from the room, prompting an evacuation and a fire department response that was later upgraded to a full hazmat response. But at least one train stopped at the station and let out riders during that time, exposing them to the toxic gas, WMSC said.
The hazmat response was noted on social media by at least two local journalists, but did not otherwise get much attention at the time.
Radio traffic indicates trains bypassing Ballston Metro as @ArlingtonVaFD handles a hazardous materials incident involving batteries. #wmata#metro
Metro personnel and the fire department responded to the Ballston Station due to a battery fluid spill in an adjacent room. Trains are bypassing the station as a precaution while the spill is cleaned. Shuttle bus service is being provided. #WMATA
Following the incident, Metro “developed a number of corrective actions to address issues identified during this investigation,” according to WMSC’s thread, which is compiled below.
The first report today, W-0189, relates to an evacuation for life safety reasons at Ballston Station on August 11.
On August 11, 2022, toxic gas from overheated Metrorail batteries filled part of the Ballston Station. These batteries support the uninterruptible power supply – or UPS – for the station’s Train Control Room.
The Arlington County Fire Department determined that a fire alarm was due to gas coming from the battery room at the southeast end of the station.
The Metrorail personnel involved in the response did not know about the battery safety switch outside the room that can be used to cut power.
After forcing entry into the room, Arlington County Fire upgraded the response to a hazmat response. This was 47 minutes after the initial alarm.
At that point, responders communicated that trains should bypass the station and riders should be evacuated for their safety.
During the time the station was evacuated and closed to riders for their safety, one train stopped at and serviced the station, placing riders in hazardous conditions.
n addition, Metrorail did not follow its emergency response processes. This includes the incident command process. Information was also not consistently and clearly shared.
Rail Controllers made general announcements on the Ops 4 channel for some trains to turn off environmental systems when bypassing Ballston Station. No similar announcements regarding the environmental systems or bypassing Ballston Station were made on the Ops 2 channel.
Train Operator who serviced Ballston Station during the evacuation was in the Ops 2 radio territory when the announcements were made on Ops 4 The Ops 2 Rail Controller made an announcement on their channel only after the Train Operator serviced the station during the evacuation.
The investigation shows that Metrorail had kept the UPS in service beyond the end of its useful life, allowing it to run to failure.
The battery charger was not working properly. This led to excess energy being fed into the batteries. In addition – the ventilation unit in the room was not operating correctly, and the separate exhaust fan was also not working.
The batteries overheated. System data indicates the toxic gas release began approximately 15 hours after the improper charging began. The acid in each battery began to boil.
The WMSC had raised similar ancillary room maintenance concerns to Metrorail in the spring, and further documented these issues in our August 4, 2022 Train Control Room order, the week prior to this event.
Metrorail had committed in the spring to special inspections of ancillary rooms for these types of ventilation system deficiencies, but had not continued those inspections until after the WMSC’s order.
Metrorail opened the battery disconnect to separate the batteries from the UPS at about 12:30 a.m. The battery bank later cooled down and stopped emitting the toxic gas.
The power cutoff was delayed due to unclear labelling of cutoffs and insufficient training and communication of actions to take in emergencies related to battery-supplied systems.
Metrorail developed a number of corrective actions to address issues identified during this investigation. In addition Metrorail is implementing CAPs tied to the Emergency Management and Fire and Life Safety Programs Audit, August 4 order, and other related findings.
Sunset along the Mt. Vernon Trail (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
Biden Visits Arlington — “President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden helped pack presents for children and encouraged holiday cheer as the White House marked the 75th anniversary of Toys for Tots at an event hosted by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. The event at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall in northern Virginia is part of Jill Biden’s Joining Forces initiative.” [Associated Press]
W-L Wins Choir Contest — “Thanks to all of the votes from YOU, @WLchoirs was selected the winner of the WASH-FM Christmas Choir Competition!” [Twitter, WASH-FM]
Armed Sneaker Robbery in Pentagon City — “At approximately 3:38 p.m. on December 11, police were dispatched to the report of an armed robbery. Upon arrival, it was determined the four unknown suspects approached the two male victims and asked about purchasing one of the victim’s sneakers. The victim declined and the groups separated. The suspects later reapproached the victims and demanded their property, during which two of the suspects lifted their shirts to display firearms in their waistbands. The suspects then stole sneakers, headphones, and a wallet containing an undisclosed amount of cash, a bank card and personal items, before fleeing the scene on foot.” [ACPD]
Wrong-Way Crash on I-395 — From Dave Statter: “#caughtoncamera: Wrong way driver on I-395S Exit 9 (Boundary Channel) ramp pulls into traffic & immediately gets hit at 3:00 am Sunday. Crazy & scary stuff.” [Twitter]
Va. Tree Legislation Unlikely — “One member of the Arlington delegation to the General Assembly says environmental activists shouldn’t expect any major legislation on tree issues coming out of Richmond in 2023. ‘We’ll have a difficult time,’ said Del. Patrick Hope (D-Arlington), speaking at the Dec. 6 work session between legislators and the County Board. He blamed ‘the dynamics in the House’ – presumably meaning the Republican majority in the House of Delegates – for the hold-up.” [Sun Gazette]
Holiday Anti-DUI Campaign — “The Arlington County Police Department (ACPD) is partnering with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) during the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign to remind motorists it is always the season to protect yourself and others from the dangers of drunk driving… From December 14, 2022 – January 1, 2023, motorists nationwide can expect to see increased messaging about the dangers of driving under the influence, coupled with increased saturation patrols to identify and apprehend impaired drivers.” [ACPD]
Lyon Village Cat Drama Remembered — “Flashback to this proto-NextDoor anonymous letter I received in my mailbox shortly after I moved into my house over 10yrs ago, in which judgment was cast on ‘my’ large, predatory cat that had ‘singlehandedly destroyed the neighborhood bird population.’ I did not own a cat.” [Twitter]
Conditions Right for White Christmas — “If you fancy a white Christmas, the nation’s capital is far from a reliable location… But the chance of a white Christmas appears to be higher this year. The major storm sweeping across the country is setting up a pattern realignment that should promote a cold and possibly stormy week leading up to Christmas. The trend toward colder and stormier weather has already begun.” [Capital Weather Gang]
It’s Tuesday — Clear throughout the day. High of 43 and low of 28. Sunrise at 7:20 am and sunset at 4:48 pm. [Weather.gov]
Missing Middle proponents and opponents sit side by side in Arlington County headquarters on Oct. 15, 2022 (courtesy of Adam Theo)
Arlington Planning Commission is set to discuss Missing Middle housing in a blockbuster pair of meetings this week.
The first is happening tonight at 7 p.m., in the County Board room at Arlington County government headquarters (2100 Clarendon Blvd). County staff are set to give a presentation before the floor is opened to public comment from dozens of speakers.
Planning Commission members are set to provide guidance, including on the scope of the Missing Middle proposal, to the County Board for its vote on advertising public hearings on the topic. That will precede additional Planning Commision and County Board votes on the final Missing Middle proposal, which are currently likely to happen at some point in early 2023.
Slide from Missing Middle Housing Study draft framework (via Arlington County)
Ahead of the meetings tonight and Thursday, of which we will have coverage the next day, we asked the GPT-3 artificial intelligence writing model to weigh in on the pros and cons of the Missing Middle issue, below, in what might be somewhat of a preview of the public comment.
Admittedly, the AI did not discuss trees, which have been a hot topic among many Missing Middle opponents.
Write an essay describing the pros and cons of re-zoning residential neighborhoods of Arlington, Virginia to permit lower density multifamily housing, such as townhouses and duplexes, also known as Missing Middle housing.
The debate over re-zoning residential neighborhoods of Arlington, Virginia to permit lower density multifamily housing, also known as Missing Middle housing, is a controversial one that has been debated for many years. On one side, there are those who argue that re-zoning residential neighborhoods to allow for the construction of Missing Middle housing represents a positive step in creating a more diverse and affordable housing market. On the other hand, there are those who oppose the idea, arguing that it will bring about changes to their neighborhood that they do not want or need. To understand the potential pros and cons of re-zoning residential neighborhoods of Arlington, Virginia to permit lower density multifamily housing, it is important to look at both sides of the argument.
The primary argument in favor of re-zoning residential neighborhoods of Arlington to allow for the construction of Missing Middle housing is that it could provide much-needed affordable housing in an area that is increasingly becoming unaffordable. In addition, it could create more diverse neighborhoods by allowing for a greater variety of housing types and styles. Furthermore, it could increase the local tax base and provide economic benefits to the area by creating more jobs and businesses. Finally, it could also help reduce traffic congestion by providing people with more options for living closer to where they work and play.
On the other hand, there are valid arguments against re-zoning residential neighborhoods of Arlington to permit Missing Middle housing. One of the primary concerns is that it could lead to an increase in traffic and congestion in the area, as well as an increase in noise and other nuisances. Additionally, some fear that it could lead to an increase in crime or an influx of renters who have little or no interest in being good neighbors. In addition, it could lead to an increase in property values, which could make it difficult for those who already own homes in the area to afford to remain there. Finally, there is also concern that it would lead to a decrease in the quality of life of existing residents, who may feel that their neighborhood is being changed in ways they do not want or need.
Ultimately, whether or not re-zoning residential neighborhoods of Arlington to permit Missing Middle housing is a good idea depends on the individual situation and the desires of residents. While there are potential pros and cons associated with this type of zoning change, it is important for local authorities to carefully consider all perspectives before making any decision.
U-Haul suspected in Pentagon City theft on I-395, with Virginia State Police following
U-Haul suspected in Pentagon City theft on I-395
Police activity in the distance in Pentagon City after theft
(Updated at 11:10 a.m.) A theft suspect in a U-Haul managed to flee from police in Pentagon City last week.
The theft happened just before 4 p.m. at or near the Pentagon Row shopping center. The suspect, a woman, reportedly stole a large quantity of clothing and beauty items before fleeing in a rental truck driven by second suspect, a man.
An Arlington sheriff’s deputy then spotted the truck stopped near Virginia Highlands Park and took the driver into custody, at which time the female suspect allegedly started driving off. Arlington officers followed the truck onto I-395 but did not give chase after the driver refused to pull over, given police department policies about chasing non-violent suspects.
Virginia State Police appear to have caught up to the truck as it traveled south in the I-395 Express Lanes, based on traffic camera feeds viewed by ARLnow at the time, but it is unclear what happened after that.
A Virginia State Police spokeswoman deferred to Arlington County police for comment. An Arlington police spokeswoman deferred comment on the actions of the VSP troopers.
“I can’t speak to specifics regarding Virginia State Police and would defer to their agency for additional information,” said ACPD spokeswoman Ashley Savage.
ACPD released the following report about the incident.
LARCENY, 2022-12080166, 1100 block of S. Joyce Street. At approximately 3:57 p.m. on December 8, police were dispatched to the report of a larceny just occurred. Upon arrival, it was determined the female suspect allegedly entered a business, concealed merchandise and exited without paying. An employee observed the female suspect enter a rental truck, driven by the male suspect, and flee the area. A responding officer located the vehicle stopped in the area of 15th Street S. and S. Hayes Street and took the male suspect, who was outside the vehicle, into custody without incident. The female suspect, who had [remained] inside the rental truck, then fled the scene in the vehicle. A lookout was broadcast and an Arlington County Sheriff’s deputy observed the suspect vehicle traveling on S. Hayes Street and attempted a traffic stop. The female suspect refused to stop and fled onto I-395. The suspect is described as a White female, 30 – 40 years old, with brown curly hair, wearing jeans, a multicolor sweater and black shoes. Attempts to identify the male suspect were unsuccessful and he was booked as a John Doe on charges of Grand Larceny, Identity Theft and Public Intoxication. The investigation is ongoing.
Hotel construction site in Rosslyn (Flickr pool photo by Jeff Vincent)
RCA Building Trades Hands — “A joint venture led by McLean’s Jefferson Apartment Group has acquired the former RCA building in Rosslyn for $55.5 million, more than a year after gaining county approval to replace it with a multifamily high-rise… With the acquisition complete, demolition is anticipated to begin in February or March, a JAG spokesperson said in an email.” [Washington Business Journal]
Google Maps Leading Drivers Astray? — From Dave Statter: “@googlemaps still tells drivers to make the dangerous move from SB Boundary Channel to I-395S Exit 8C. Many do.” [Twitter]
Renovation of 19th Century House — “A rare streak of good news for historic preservationists… the 1897-vintage ‘Birchland-Weaver’ home at N. Glebe Rd. and Williamsburg Blvd., owned from 1961 to 2021 by the Page family, is undergoing a history-minded expansion/renovation by John Rosenbaum of Bedrock Development. ‘It’s not a recognized historic district, but I’m working diligently to restore it and keep a lot of the historic character,’ he said of the home built by the Weaver hardware store family. That includes reusing the cupola and adding a New Orleans-style porch up front.” [Falls Church News-Press]
Obit for Kennedy Aide — “Melody J. Miller was 18 years old, just shy of graduating from high school in Arlington, Va., when President John F. Kennedy invited her to meet him at the White House… That visit — six months before Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas on Nov. 22, 1963 — accounted for what Ms. Miller described as perhaps ‘the most treasured 20 minutes’ of her life. She went on to work for the Kennedy family for four decades, including 37 years on the staff of Sen. Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.), becoming a trusted assistant to one of the most powerful dynasties in American politics.” [Washington Post]
Boring Week for Sewage Plant — “Beginning the week of December 12, soil boring will occur at the north end of the Water Pollution Control Plant (near 31st Street) to assess the underground soil conditions. During this time, there are no expected impacts to the traffic in the area or for users of the trail. Residents in the area may hear noise near the Plant site.” [Arlington County]
Tweets from Courthouse Starbucks Rally — From Rep. Don Beyer: “I joined AFL-CIO President @LizShuler and leaders from across the region last night to support @SBWorkersUnited one year after the first Starbucks store unionized in Buffalo, NY. I will continue to stand up for workers’ rights and fight for their right to join a union.” [Twitter, Twitter, Twitter, Twitter]
Fire Recruits Graduate — “They’ve already completed 30 weeks of preparation, but members of the Arlington County Fire Department’s 81st recruit class still have plenty ahead of them. ‘You’re going to start on what seems like an eternity of training,’ said Fire Capt. Tyson Stanislaus during last month’s graduation ceremony for the new class.” [Sun Gazette]
Dem School Board Caucus Rules OKed — “Whether they will need it or not remains an open question, but the Arlington County Democratic Committee on Dec. 7 approved the timing and rules for a 2023 School Board caucus. The action also sets a filing window of Jan. 2 through Feb. 22 for those seeking the Democratic endorsement for the single School Board seat on the November 2023 ballot.” [Sun Gazette]
It’s Monday — Partly cloudy throughout the day. High of 43 and low of 34. Sunrise at 7:19 am and sunset at 4:48 pm. [Weather.gov]
A man tried to steal a gun from an Arlington gun store last week but was chased down by a store manager as he tried to flee.
The incident happened Thursday around 6:30 p.m. at Nova Armory, which is now located at 2607 Wilson Blvd in Clarendon.
“At approximately 6:37 p.m. on December 8, police were dispatched to the report of a larceny just occurred,” Arlington County Police Department spokeswoman Ashley Savage tells ARLnow. “Upon arrival, it was determined the unknown suspect concealed a firearm and exited the business without purchasing the item. An employee confronted the suspect outside the business and recovered the firearm. The suspect then pushed the employee and fled the scene on foot.”
Though the gun was recovered, the suspect remains at large.
“The suspect is described as a White, Hispanic male in his early 20’s, approximately 6’1″ tall wearing overalls, a black hat and brown shoes,” Savage said. “The investigation is ongoing.”
Arlington County police are investigating the death of a man found unresponsive in a park along Columbia Pike.
Police were called around 10 p.m. Friday night for a man lying on the ground and not moving near the intersection of Columbia Pike and Four Mile Run Drive, which is also in proximity to the bike trail.
The man, who was in cardiac arrest and not breathing, was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.
While a cause of death has not been released, police are calling the man’s death suspicious. A helicopter was called in from a nearby police agency to search the area, along with officers on the ground.
No arrests have been announced and police are asking the public for additional information about the case.
More from ACPD:
The Arlington County Police Department’s Homicide/Robbery Unit is investigating a suspicious death which occurred on the evening of December 9, 2022.
At approximately 10:03 p.m., police were dispatched to Columbia Pike at S. Four Mile Run Drive for the report of trouble unknown. Upon arrival, officers located an unresponsive adult male in the park. Medics performed lifesaving measures before transferring him to an area hospital where he was pronounced deceased. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine cause and manner of death.
The circumstances that preceded the death remain under investigation. Anyone with information that may assist with the investigation is asked to contact the Arlington County Police Department’s Homicide/Robbery Unit at 703-228-4180 or [email protected]. Information may also be reported anonymously through the Arlington County Crime Solvers hotline at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477).
Police remain on scene investigating and an aerial search of the area was conducted with the assistance of a police helicopter. Expect continued police activity in the area.
