Author: ARLnow.com

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.

Covid cases dropping in Arlington, though county remains in CDC ‘medium’ level

By ARLnow.com
Covid cases in Arlington as of 8/9/22 (via Virginia Dept. of Health)

Don’t look now but Covid cases are declining in Arlington.

The average daily reported case rate in the county is currently around 90, down from 184 on Memorial Day. At the same time, the number of PCR tests performed in Arlington, as reported by the Virginia Dept. of Health, is also dropping and thus keeping the local test positivity rate high: just over 22%.

A possible explanation is that, unlike earlier in the pandemic when one sometimes had to test even when otherwise seemingly healthy, those testing are overwhelmingly those who are sick — and perhaps those who already tested positive via rapid tests and are just seeking confirmation.

Regardless, the decline in cases has also been noted at the hospital. From Virginia Hospital Center ER chief Mike Silverman’s most recent weekly Facebook post:

I continue to have friends who are getting COVID for the first time so it’s clearly around. However, our numbers show some improvement for the first time in weeks. The number of new COVID cases we diagnosed in the ER fell to its lowest level in a month and is 15% less than last week. Our percent positivity rate also fell from 13.8 to 11.8% over the last few weeks (6 week average of 12.5%). Although the number of patients currently hospitalized remains similar to last week (this number usually falls a few weeks after new diagnoses fall), the number of patients who required our “COVID isolation” protocol fell for the first time in 3 weeks. The number of these patients who required admission is down 20% from last week.

Despite lower cases, Arlington remains in the CDC’s “Medium” level of Covid, which it first entered in April. According to CDC data, Arlington is recording 6.6 hospital admissions for Covid per week, per 100,000 in population.

The good news on local Covid cases comes amid a number of developments, including new research showing that millions are suffering long-term smell or taste problems as a result of the disease, while perhaps 4 million are suffering debilitating “Long Covid” symptoms that are preventing them from working.

Also, the nation’s most prominent Covid case recently resolved, with President Joe Biden testing negative over the weekend after a “rebound” infection following his use of the antiviral treatment Paxlovid.

ACPD: Man stole alcohol from convenience store, then threw it at employee

By ARLnow.com
The 7-Eleven store at 2001 Clarendon Blvd in Courthouse (photo via Google Maps)

A man upset that he couldn’t buy alcohol before 6 a.m. allegedly stole it by force and then threw some of it at a store employee.

The incident happened around 5 a.m. Sunday, at the 7-Eleven at 2001 Clarendon Blvd in Courthouse.

An “unknown male suspect entered into the business and began selecting alcoholic beverages,” Arlington County police said in the department’s daily crime report. “An employee informed the suspect that the sale of alcohol could not be completed prior to 6:00 a.m., during which the suspect ignored him. Another employee attempted to intervene, during which the suspect pushed him and exited the store with the unpaid merchandise.”

“A short time later, the suspect returned and threw one of the stolen items at the employee before fleeing the scene in a vehicle,” the crime report continued. “No injuries were reported.”

The suspect fled in what was described in police radio traffic as a white Budget rental van. Police were unable to locate the van or the man, who was described as “a Black male, approximately 30-35 years old, 6’0″, wearing a yellow cap, white shirt, yellow shorts and white shoes.”

Photo via Google Maps

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com
One of several “Empathy” signs placed along roads in north Arlington and McLean (staff photo)

Clarendon-Based Axios Being Acquired — “Axios has signed a deal to sell to its most recent lead investor, Cox Enterprises, the companies announced Monday. The cash deal values the company at $525 million, according to sources familiar with the deal.” [Axios, Washington Post]

Trash Burning Plant Now Cleaner — “Covanta, a leader in sustainable materials management and a premier provider of environmental solutions for businesses and communities, announced that the Covanta Alexandria Waste-to-Energy facility recently completed planned enhancements to its state-of-the-art pollution control technology. The goal is to further reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, thereby helping to protect the environment.” [Arlington County]

‘Lost Dog’ Welcomes Rescued Beagles — “Lost Dog & Cat Rescue Foundation has welcomed 56 beagles to its Rescue Care Center in Falls Church, Va., from a mass-breeding facility riddled with animal welfare concerns. This effort is a result of the massive undertaking of the Humane Society of the United States to coordinate the removal of approximately 4,000 beagles housed at the Envigo RMS LLC facility in Cumberland, Va., which bred dogs to be sold to laboratories for animal experimentation.” [Press Release]

More Beagles in Arlington — From the Animal Welfare League of Arlington: “Our #EnvigoBeagles are heading to their foster homes today! This will be the first time these dogs have ever experienced living in a house, sleeping in a bed, or going outside. Please consider donating to our beagles’ fundraising page.” [Twitter]

Grant for Historical Society — “The Arlington Historical Society has received $5,000 for its ‘Memorializing the Enslaved in Arlington,’ the first phase of a longer-term effort to identify the men, women and children who were enslaved in Arlington County; to uncover what can be learned about their lives; and to memorialize their lives through markers installed in locations countywide.” [Sun Gazette]

Big Donation for Marymount — “Twenty years ago, John Shooshan’s life was saved by a doctor at Sibley Memorial Hospital. Now he’s giving back to the health care profession to help it address a chronic shortage of trained nurses. Shooshan, the chairman of Arlington real estate developer Shooshan Company, and his wife, Marcia, a retired teacher, are giving nearly $1.1 million to the Marymount University and Sibley Memorial Hospital to fund scholarships and internships for future nurses. Shooshan is a trustee at the small university in North Arlington.” [Washington Business Journal]

It’s Tuesday — Humid throughout the day. High of 94 and low of 78. Sunrise at 6:18 am and sunset at 8:12 pm. [Weather.gov]

JUST IN: Arlington officer arrested after alleged off-duty assault

By ARLnow.com
Police on scene at the Siena Park Apartments on Friday morning (photo courtesy John Antonelli)

(Updated at 2:20 p.m.) An Arlington County police officer has been arrested and charged with seriously injuring a woman while off duty.

The alleged assault happened early Friday morning at two separate locations along Columbia Pike in Arlington. The police department says the 34-year-old officer and the woman knew each other, though their exact relationship was not described.

The incident started when the pair left a “nightlife establishment” and drove to an area near Towers Park, where police say the off-duty officer, identified as William Hahn, threw the woman to the ground and smashed her phone following a verbal dispute.

They then drove to an address that likely corresponds to the Siena Park Apartments where, according to police, Hahn struck the woman in the face in the building’s parking garage.

Hahn, who was hired by ACPD in June 2020, has been placed on leave without pay and is facing charges of Malicious Wounding and Destruction of Property.

More from a police department press release, below.

The Arlington County Police Department has arrested and charged an off-duty Arlington officer following an assault investigation. William Hahn, 34, of Arlington, VA was arrested and charged with Malicious Wounding and Destruction of Property. He was held without bond.

At approximately 5:08 a.m. on August 5, police were dispatched to the 2300 block of Columbia Pike for the report of an assault with injury. Upon arrival, officers located the female victim outside a residential building suffering from injuries considered serious but non-life threatening. She was transported to an area hospital for treatment and subsequently released. The suspect was located inside a residence in the building and taken into custody.

The investigation indicated the suspect and victim, who are known to each other, left a nightlife establishment and drove to the 800 block of S. Scott Street where they became involved in a verbal dispute. During the dispute, both parties exited the vehicle and the suspect allegedly took the victim’s phone and broke it. The suspect then threw the victim to the ground and physically assaulted her. Following the assault, the parties reentered the suspect’s vehicle and drove to the 2300 block of Columbia Pike. While inside the residential building’s parking garage, a second verbal dispute occurred, during which the suspect struck the victim in the face. The suspect and victim then exited the vehicle and were waiting for the building’s elevator when they encountered the reporting party who contacted the Emergency Communications Center after observing the victim’s injuries.

“I want to assure the community these serious criminal allegations reflect behavior that is unacceptable by any member of our agency and these actions are in direct contradiction to our role as professional law enforcement officers,” said Chief Andy Penn. “We are committed to holding ourselves accountable to the highest standards while remaining transparent to ensure the public’s trust and will complete a comprehensive criminal and internal administrative investigation into this incident.”

Hahn was hired by the Arlington County Police Department in June 2020. He has been placed on administrative leave without pay pending the outcome of the criminal and internal administrative investigations.

This remains an active criminal investigation and anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact the Arlington County Police Department’s Homicide/Robbery Unit at 703-228-4180 or [email protected]. Information may also be provided anonymously through the Arlington County Crime Solvers hotline at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477).

Restaurants and other local businesses currently listed for sale in Arlington

By ARLnow.com

Being a small business owner is tough and sometimes, for any number of reasons, you need to sell what you’ve built.

Even a large and affluent market like Arlington is no exception, with plenty of business turnover in a given year, especially among retail-level consumer businesses like restaurants and personal services.

One way business owners get matched with business buyers is through online listing aggregators like BizBuySell. Below, we have again compiled ten of the more interesting, current listings in Arlington from the site.

The listings generally do not name the business that’s for sale, but the descriptions in each provide some clues. The asking price is also included.

1. Convenience store for Sale ($600,000)

Well run and maintained convenience store for sale in a busy area and walking distance nearby apartment complexes. It is the perfect opportunity for an owner-operated business or absentee owner.

2. Profitable BBQ Restaurant with Food Truck in Arlington ($125,000)

Dine in and carry out BBQ restaurant for sale in Arlington VA. High end kitchen equipment and great build out ready to fit most concepts. This restaurant is ABSENTEE OWNED and profiting $50,000 annually. With a new hands on owner and an updated menu to include more items this turn key business can be extremely profitable. Very low rent for Arlington with a great lease. Must see. Purchase price includes a FOOD TRUCK. CHEAP RENT.

3. Thriving Wellness center: Yoga, Massage, Saunas ($250,000)

This 10 year old business has survived Crystal City’s desolation and Covid and it primed for Amazon HQ2 and all the new businesses, people, and energy flowing through. The lease is month too month but you can lock it in if you like. 50% of revenue is from yoga and pilates classes and 50% is from massage and body work. The studio is 5200 sq ft, has 3 yoga rooms (one is a hot room and is 1800 sq ft), 3 treatment rooms, 2 large changing rooms with showers, 2 infrared saunas. It runs itself but could level up which I’m not interested in doing after working a full time job and running and working in this business for 10 years.

4. High Profit Restaurant & Bar in Prime Location ($595,000)

High profit restaurant and bar in the heart of Arlington VA. This popular restaurant has been in business for over 6 years and is currently averaging over $3,000,000 in annual sales. The current owner is profiting an average of $300,000 per year and the business is debt free. Beautifully built out with 230 seats inside, 120 seats outside, a large full service bar including craft beers on tap and a spacious kitchen with all high end equipment. The current menu can be kept the same or converted to fit most concepts. While owning other restaurants, the current owner does not have enough time to watch over this location and run it to its full potential.

5. Well Established Coworking Business Center ($980,000)

Don’t miss out on this opportunity! This business operates in a very robust Co-working market in Virginia, renting office space to small business owners or remote sales reps on 6-12 month terms. The building resides in a great outdoor freestanding location in the business district and civic metro area. It is a flexible franchise solution that adapts to change and has consistently been the most profitable business in the industry.

(more…)

Morning Poll: Clarendon gun store now open

By ARLnow.com
1/3

Gun store Nova Armory is now open in Clarendon, after moving from its previous Lyon Park location.

The store at 2607 Wilson Blvd opened on the same day that ARLnow reported on the move, according to a Facebook post.

So far, the storefront is not marked from the outside, though there is a sign on the door instructing delivery drivers not to leave boxes outside. Opposition to Nova Armory’s opening in Clarendon was more muted than its original opening in Lyon Park, which was subject to community meetings, a letter from local lawmakers and a lawsuit (filed by Nova Armory against its critics).

The store’s actual time in business has seen considerably less drama, save for several burglaries and large crowds of customers at the outset of the pandemic.

That all said, what do you think of a gun store operating in the Clarendon neighborhood? Does the Metro corridor location change youe opinion compared to the store’s current location near Route 50?

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com
Hazy afternoon at DCA (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

First Day of School Three Weeks Away –” It seems as if summer just started, but before you know it, the 2022-23 school year in Arlington will be starting. The first day of classes for Arlington Public Schools is Monday, Aug. 29.” [Patch]

Pet Adoptions Down Slightly — “The Animal Welfare League of Arlington reports that 2,444 cats, dogs and small animals were adopted from its shelter during the 12-month period ending June 30. That’s down slightly from the 2,587 in the preceding year, which may be a positive sign that things are calming down in the get-along-with-COVID world that is now being experienced.” [Sun Gazette]

Another Gun Seized at Airport — ” Transportation Security Administration officers at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Arlington stopped a Charlottesville man on Wednesday from bringing his loaded handgun onto a flight… The man told officials that he was in a rush to fly to Florida to attend a funeral and ‘forgot that he had his loaded gun with him,’ according to TSA.” [Patch]

Arlington Man Charged With Robbery — “The investigation determined the suspect entered into the business, selected a beverage and allegedly attempted to leave without paying. A female employee confronted the suspect, who ignored her and selected additional merchandise. The employee attempted to stop the suspect, during which he struck her before fleeing the scene on foot. During the course of the investigation, it was determined that the suspect had stolen merchandise from an additional business.” [ACPD]

West Glebe Bridge Demolition — “After months of being closed, much of West Glebe Road Bridge has finally been torn down ahead of eventual reconstruction. Demolition started earlier this week and is expected to finish by the week of Sept. 5. Demolition work is expected to continue Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.” [ALXnow]

It’s Monday — Humid throughout the day. High of 91 and low of 76. Sunrise at 6:17 am and sunset at 8:13 pm. [Weather.gov]

Most-read Arlington stories of the week: August 1-5

By ARLnow.com
Ballston at twilight with storm clouds looming (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Our two-day stormy stretch is expected to carry on into Sunday, so make sure you take advantage of any sunny and dry periods as we head into the weekend.

The August news doldrums are here, so please forgive us if the stories we publish are a bit on the lighter side over the next few weeks.

Also, we’ll have one fewer reporter on staff: today is the last day for our summer intern, Mavis Chan, who is returning to the University of Missouri for her senior year. Good luck, Mavis!

Now, let’s take a look at the most-read Arlington stories of the past week. Unsurprisingly, the G.O.A.T. is No. 1. (A different G.O.A.T. story is No. 6)

  1. Serena Williams appears to have paid a visit to El Pollo Rico in Va. Square this weekend
  2. A woman has died after a hit-and-run crash Monday evening
  3. Whitlow’s is coming back — but not to Arlington
  4. Police investigating attack in Shirlington by scooter-riding kids
  5. N. Glebe Road closed after serious motorcycle crash
  6. We now know what is replacing The G.O.A.T. in Clarendon
  7. Lobster roll restaurant opening in Shirlington this month, giving away free lobster
  8. Courthouse’s Taco Bell Cantina expected to open by the end of the year
  9. County returns to pre-pandemic process for outdoor tents, leaving some restaurants frustrated
  10. ACPD: Man runs off with bag of cash as ATM is being filled at Pentagon City store
  11. Police investigating early morning stabbing in Clarendon
  12. Westover’s Stray Cat Bar & Grill has finally reopened after closing at the start of the pandemic

Feel free to discuss these stories or anything else of local interest in the comments. Enjoy your weekend, Arlington!

Open houses in Arlington this weekend

By ARLnow.com

Hello August and happy Friday!

It looks to be a hot, rainy weekend ahead and the perfect time to visit one of the open houses across Arlington.

The last 4 weeks saw 235 sales, along with 186 new listings. According to Homesnap, there are currently 599 homes for sale. There are 342 condos for sale, 208 detached homes and 49 condos.

Here’s a look at some of the open houses taking place in Arlington this weekend:

  • 4605 26th Street N.
    6 BR/6.5 BA Single-family home
    Noteworthy: Custom wood floors, covered balcony, gas fireplace
    Listed: $3,595,000
    Open: Sunday, 1-3:30 p.m. (Tom Francis – Keller Williams Realty)
  • 3109 N. Nottingham Street
    6 BR/6 BA Single-family home
    Noteworthy: Attached two car garage, wet bar, partially exposed brick wall
    Listed: $2,295,000
    Open: Sunday, 2-4 p.m. (Melody Abella – TTR Sotheby’s International Realty)
  • 1501 23rd Street S.
    4 BR/3 BA Single-family home
    Noteworthy: Stone fireplace, patio, two car garage
    Listed: $1,250,000
    Open: Sunday, 1-4 p.m. (Tonya Finlay – KW Metro Center)
  • 2302 N. Dinwiddie Street
    5 BR/3.5 BA Single-family home
    Noteworthy: Finished basement, deck, attached garage
    Listed: $950,000
    Open: Sunday, 2-4 p.m. (Keri Shull – Optime Realty)
  • 2109 N. Rolfe Street #D
    4 BR/2.5 BA Condo
    Noteworthy: Private deck, wood burning fireplace, new kitchen
    Listed: $809,900
    Open: Sunday, 2-4 p.m. (Keri Shull – Optime Realty)
  • 1700 14th Street S.
    3 BR/2 BA Single-family home
    Noteworthy: Refinished hardwood floors, new roof, new basement flooring
    Listed: $749,900
    Open: Saturday, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. (Jason Cheperdak – Samson Properties)

See all Arlington open house listings here.

Want your open house to appear here? You can now submit sponsored listings.

1700 14th Street S.

* Denotes sponsored listing

1700 14th Street S. image via Google Maps

NEW: Flood Watch issued for Arlington

By ARLnow.com
Flood Watch boundaries (via NWS)

Slow-moving storms this afternoon and evening may pack downpours that could cause flooding, forecasters say.

The National Weather Service just issued a Flood Watch for Arlington, the District and most of the region as a result.

From NWS:

1020 AM EDT Fri Aug 5 2022

…FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM 3 PM EDT THIS AFTERNOON THROUGH THIS EVENING…

* WHAT…Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible. […]

* WHEN…From 3 PM EDT this afternoon through this evening.

* IMPACTS…Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…
– Showers and thunderstorms will develop this afternoon and may last into the evening. Any thunderstorms will be capable of producing very heavy rainfall, with localized totals of two to four inches possible. Much of the rain may fall within a one to three hour period, making rapid rises in creeks and streams possible, as well as flash flooding in urban areas.
– http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should Flash Flood Warnings be issued.

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com
Ballston at twilight with storm clouds looming (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Issues at Court House Station — Noted in a new Washington Metrorail Safety Commission report on the maintenance, cleaning and inspections of automatic train control systems: “For example, at Court House Station on the Orange and Silver Lines, a technician noted racks that were dusty and covered with black soot and noted that an electronic-friendly vacuum cleaner was required for proper cleaning, but no work order was opened. The records also showed missing manuals and reference documents, but no work order was opened.” [WMSC]

Anniversary of Pentagon Officer’s LODD — “Pentagon Police Cpl. George Gonzalez died in the line of duty one year ago today. At the Training Range named for him, members of his Pentagon Force Protection Agency platoon honored Gonzalez again on Tuesday.” [WJLA]

School Board Race Fundraising — “For the period through June 30, independent James ‘Vell’ Rives IV outraised Democratic endorsee Bethany Sutton by $14,286 to $13,132, according to figures from the Virginia Department of Elections. But from those figures you have to subtract the $7,000 loan that Rives gave his campaign, and also chop off a couple of thousand dropped in by Sutton family members to hers, when parsing the data.” [Sun Gazette]

Light Pole Knocked Down on the Pike — “Scanner: Columbia Pike temporary shut down at S. Wakefield Street after a vehicle ran into a county light pole, knocking it down. Driver reported to be injured, but not seriously.” [Twitter]

It’s Friday — After a stormy Thursday night comes another hot day with rain and strong storms in the evening and overnight. High of 91 and low of 76. Sunrise at 6:15 am and sunset at 8:17 pm. [Weather.gov]

View More Stories