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.

Morning Poll: Will you go to more Caps and Wiz games in Alexandria?

By ARLnow.com
1/4

The Washington Capitals and Wizards are planning to move to Alexandria’s Potomac Yard neighborhood.

The announcement was made this morning in tents set up next to the Potomac Yard Metro entrance, where a new sports arena and entertainment complex is planned — about a half mile from the Arlington border.

More from our sister site ALXnow:

The project will be adjacent to the Virginia Tech Innovation Campus in the Alexandria portion of National Landing — the collective term for Potomac Yard, Crystal City and Pentagon City.

“After many years of dreaming, many years of discussion, I’m pleased to announce that right here, in Alexandria’s Potomac Yard, we have a plan to unleash a brighter, more extraordinary future,” said [Virginia Gov. Glenn] Youngkin. “We will build a spectacular $2 billion dollar sports and entertainment district.”

[Team owner Ted] Leonsis said the move to Virginia is a “transformative step forward.”

“I have always believed there is a higher calling in sports — to unify our community, build a lasting legacy over multiple generations, and lift all our neighbors towards a shared sense of prosperity,” Leonsis said. “Today, we deepen that commitment as we enter a phase of rapid expansion in service to our fans, employees, and partners.”

Leonsis said starting a new stadium with a sense of tabula rasa was a big part of Potomac Yard’s appeal.

“When I saw 70 acres and the ability to start with a clean slate… to build a digital first experience, it really is a very romantic but also pragmatic vision that we can’t do anywhere else,” Leonsis said. “I got goosebumps again when I came here a week ago and looked at all of the expansion capabilities.”

As part of the deal, the construction and ownership of the arena would be overseen by a new Virginia stadium authority, and the arena would be leased to Monumental.

“Subject to legislative approval by the Virginia General Assembly, the Entertainment District will break ground in 2025 and open in late 2028,” said a press release from the governor’s office.

ARLnow is working to learn more about what this will mean for Arlington, from plans for changes to Route 1 to the Capitals practice facility moving from the Iceplex in Ballston.

In the meantime, we were wondering whether the move from Chinatown in D.C. to Potomac Yard will drive more game day attendance from Arlington residents. Do you think you will go to more games at an Alexandria facility, compared to your current attendance at Capital One Arena?

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com
A scooter runs a red light at Columbia PIke and S. Walter Reed Dr. (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Metro Proposes Major Budget Cuts — “Metro proposed a budget Tuesday with service cuts officials say would make the transit system ‘unrecognizable’ and have a devastating economic impact on the region.  On the table are across-the-board service cuts, including the closure of 10 Metro stations, earlier station closing times, the elimination of nearly half of all current Metrobus routes, fare hikes, layoffs, and salary and hiring freezes.” [DCist, NBC 4]

New Speed Humps Near Schools — From Arlington’s Dept. of Environmental Services: “Tactical speed humps being installed near Gunston MS, Hoffman-Boston Elementary and Cardinal Elementary in a limited #VisionZero pilot for zones where recent 20-mph speed limits haven’t reduced speeding.” [Twitter]

Energy Upgrades for Pooch Hangout — “Arlington County was the top dog in bringing together small business and sustainable energy investment in its second C-PACE project. The Arlington Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) program is enabling Snouts & Stouts to make a series of sustainable energy upgrades. These improvements will allow for updates to the building’s façade, HVAC system, and water system.” [Arlington County]

County Confusion Over W-L Name — “In an agreement between the county government and school system related to field use, and its accompanying staff report, the name of the high school is rendered in various places four different ways: correctly (as above) and incorrectly (‘Washington Liberty,’ ‘Washington and Liberty’ and ‘Washington & Liberty.’)” [Gazette Leader]

Historic Designation for Green Valley? — “Green Valley, which is historic for a number of reasons, isn’t included in the National Register of Historic Places or Virginia Landmarks Register. And while that may change some day, it does not appear to be high on the priority list of the county government, which likely would be called upon to provide the support needed to make inclusion happen.” [Gazette Leader]

It’s Wednesday — Expect mostly sunny skies and a high near 45 degrees, accompanied by a northwest wind blowing at 7 to 10 mph. Tonight the skies will remain clear, with temperatures dropping to a low of around 27 degrees. [Weather.gov]

ARLnow Daily Debrief for Dec 12, 2023

By ARLnow.com

Good Tuesday evening, Arlington. Let’s take a look back at today’s stories and a look forward to tomorrow’s event calendar.

🕗 News recap

The following articles were published earlier today — Dec 12, 2023.

📅 Upcoming events

Here is what’s going on Wednesday in Arlington, from our event calendar.

☀️ Wednesday’s forecast

Expect mostly sunny skies and a high of around 45 degrees, accompanied by a northwest wind blowing at 7 to 10 mph. As for Wednesday night, the skies will be clear, with temperatures dropping to a low of about 28 degrees, and winds will continue from the northwest at a speed of 6 to 8 mph. See more from Weather.gov.

💡 Quote of the Day

“The time is always right to do what is right.”
– Martin Luther King, Jr.

🌅 Tonight’s sunset

Thanks for reading! Feel free to discuss the day’s happenings in the comments.

BREAKING: Governor to make a ‘remarkable’ announcement in Potomac Yard amid Caps and Wiz arena reports

By ARLnow.com
Washington Capitals team headquarters in Ballston on Tuesday evening (staff photo)

A plan for a new arena for the Washington Capitals and Wizards in Potomac Yard is likely to be announced tomorrow.

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin has confirmed that he will be coming to “announce a remarkable economic development project for the Commonwealth” at the future development site just a half mile south of the Arlington border.

The announcement is scheduled for 9 a.m., according to an advisory from the governor’s office, which otherwise does not specify what will be announced. A series of white tents has been set up near the entrance to the new Potomac Yard Metro station.

Temporary event tents set up near the Potomac Yard Metro station in Alexandria (staff photo by James Cullum)

Update at 8:45 a.m. — It’s official: an arena and practice facility for the Capitals and the Wizards is coming to Potomac Yard. ARLnow is asking about what this means for the future of the Iceplex in Ballston.

Earlier: The Washington Post reported Monday that Virginia lawmakers approved a deal to bring a new arena for the NHL and NBA teams to Northern Virginia — specifically, “anchoring a massive mixed-use development in Alexandria’s Potomac Yard neighborhood.”

The Washington Business Journal reported today (Tuesday) that team owner Ted Leonsis would be joined by Youngkin at a Wednesday morning announcement, “suggesting a deal to bring the Washington Wizards and Capitals across the river is imminent even as D.C. continues to negotiate an agreement to keep them downtown.”

Tonight, ESPN NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Wednesday’s event would “unveil plans for a proposed new arena complex and entertainment district for Wizards and NHL’s Capitals.”

Local officials contacted by ARLnow and sister site ALXnow declined to talk on the record prior to tomorrow’s announcement, though several confirmed that they would be at the event.

Potomac Yard is part of the area — along with Crystal City and Pentagon City — dubbed National Landing at the time of Amazon’s HQ2 announcement in 2018. That announcement included plans for a Virginia Tech Innovation Campus at Potomac Yard, just south of Arlington.

Virginia Tech signs could be seen today on the white tents at the announcement site.

Potomac Yard, best known for the sprawling strip shopping center and parking lot, is expected to undergo a major redevelopment in the coming years, following the opening of the Metro station earlier this year.

The Capitals leaving Capital One Arena in Chinatown would be a significant economic development blow to D.C., but it would in a way be a homecoming for the team.

The Caps’ team headquarters and practice facility has been based at the Capitals Iceplex in Ballston since 2006, and many players live in Arlington and elsewhere in Northern Virginia. No outward sign of a significant announcement could be seen at the Iceplex this evening.

Jo DeVoe, James Cullum and Vernon Miles contributed to this report

This Arlington restaurant was just named No. 1 in Virginia by Washingtonian readers

By ARLnow.com
1/8

Washingtonian is out with the results of its 46th annual restaurant survey and while the rankings are decidedly D.C.-centric, one Arlington restaurant stands out.

Ruthie’s All-Day, which opened in Arlington Heights in 2020, was voted by the magazine’s readers as the No. 1 favorite restaurant in Virginia.

“Breakfast biscuit sandwiches, meat-and-three barbecue plates, and a family-­friendly approachability are the draws,” Washingtonian wrote of the all-day eatery at 3411 5th Street S.

The No. 2 and 3 reader favorite restaurants in the Commonwealth were Thompson Italian, in Falls Church and Alexandria, and long-time Michelin star magnet The Inn at Little Washington.

Ruthie’s is no stranger to acclaim, of course, having garnered a RAMMY award in 2022 and an entry in the Washington Post’s prestigious Fall Dining Guide this year.

“We are humbled and honored,” Ruthie’s chef and owner Matt Hill told ARLnow. “We could not be prouder of the dedication of our team and the support of our wonderful guests… A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has supported us and made RAD such a special place.”

Hill also said something potentially newsworthy about the future of the eatery

“We are actively seeking a second home for Ruthie’s and would love to hear your suggestions,” he said.

Some other restaurants with Arlington connections also made Washingtonian’s list of reader faves, including:

  • Boston-based chain Tatte, with an existing location in Clarendon and a planned location in Crystal City, was No. 3 for Favorite Breakfast
  • Chinese-Korean restaurant Chiko, which has a location in Shirlington, was No. 2 for Favorite Korean Restaurant
  • Burger restaurant Lucky Buns, which is coming to National Airport, was No. 2. for Favorite Burger

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com
Santa sighting on the Potomac last week (photo courtesy anonymous)

Caps and Wiz to Potomac Yard? — “Virginia lawmakers are meeting today to consider a deal to bring the Washington Capitals and Wizards to Potomac Yard, the Washington Post first reported. The teams could be moving to a new mixed-use facility in the Potomac Yard neighborhood, multiple officials involved with the proposal told the Post.” [ALXnow, Washington Post]

Board to Consider Forestry Plan — “The final draft of the Forestry and Natural Resources Plan (FNRP) will go to the County Board for adoption during their regular board meeting on Saturday, December 16. This plan contains guidance for the conservation and integrated management of Arlington’s natural resources and ecosystems across public and private property.” [Arlington County]

Road Closures for Wreath Event — “The annual Wreaths Across America escort of handmade, balsam wreaths destined for Arlington National Cemetery will begin arriving in Arlington County on Friday, December 15th. The annual convoy of wreaths, originating in Maine and ending at Arlington National Cemetery, includes over 75 tractor trailers and numerous support vehicles that will reach the Cemetery at various times throughout the day.” [ACPD]

New Term for Dems Chair — “Arlington County Democratic Committee chair Steve Baker emerged unopposed and should win election for a new two-year term by acclamation when the committee holds its reorganization meeting on Jan. 3.” [Gazette Leader]

Board to Buy Homes — “County Board members are being asked to spend $2.4 million for two single-family properties (1126 28th St. South and 2814 South Arlington Ridge Road) that are adjacent to the Lang Street Community Gardens, as well as $500,000 for one-half of a duplex (2402 South Kenmore St.) which with the other half – which already is owned by the county government – will be incorporated into Drew Park.” [Gazette Leader]

Food Security Grants — “Arlington County Board members on Dec. 16 are slated to award $150,000 worth of one-time food-security grants to local social-safety-net organizations. Funding for individual organizations runs from about $7,000 to $25,000.” [Gazette Leader]

It’s Tuesday — Expect sunny skies and a high of 45, accompanied by south winds at 5 to 9 mph. Overnight, the skies will remain clear, with temperatures dropping to a low of 32. [Weather.gov]

ARLnow Daily Debrief for Dec 11, 2023

By ARLnow.com

Good Monday evening, Arlington. Let’s take a look back at today’s stories and a look forward to tomorrow’s event calendar.

🕗 News recap

The following articles were published earlier today — Dec 11, 2023.

📅 Upcoming events

Here is what’s going on Tuesday in Arlington, from our event calendar.

☀️ Tuesday’s forecast

Expect sunshine and a high of 45 degrees with calm winds shifting to the south at 5 to 9 mph in the morning. Tuesday night will be mostly clear with a low around 32 degrees, as a south wind at 6 to 8 mph transitions to a west wind after midnight. See more from Weather.gov.

💡 Quote of the Day

“Believe you can and you’re halfway there.”
– Theodore Roosevelt

🌅 Tonight’s sunset

Thanks for reading! Feel free to discuss the day’s happenings in the comments.

Police investigating armed robbery, shots fired incidents

By ARLnow.com
File photo

Arlington County police are investigating a pair of gun-related incidents from Sunday.

First, they responded to a report of shots fired near Glencarlyn Park early Sunday morning. No injuries were reported but evidence of gunfire was found.

From today’s ACPD crime report:

SHOTS FIRED, 2023-12100033, 300 block of S. Harrison Street. At approximately 1:33 a.m. on December 10, police were dispatched to the report of shots heard. Upon arrival, officers recovered evidence confirming several shots had been fired. No victims or property damage were reported. There is no suspect description(s). The investigation is ongoing.

Sunday night, amid heavy rain, a woman who had just parked her car was robbed by an armed suspect in the Douglas Park neighborhood.

More, below, from ACPD.

ROBBERY, 2023-12100220, 4300 block of 16th Street S. At approximately 9:46 p.m. on December 10, police were dispatched to the report of an armed robbery. Upon arrival, it was determined the victim was driving in the area when she observed the suspect vehicle, a black sedan, behind her. The victim then parked and exited her vehicle during which the suspect exited his vehicle, brandished what appeared to be a firearm and demanded the victim’s property. The suspect then fled the area in his vehicle with the victim’s stolen purse and cell phone. A lookout was broadcast and officers canvassed the area for the suspect yielding negative results. The suspect is described as a Black male, approximately 6’3”-6’4” wearing a black jacket, gray mask and hat. No injuries were reported. The investigation is ongoing.

Police investigating ‘suspicious’ incident at local middle school

By ARLnow.com
Williamsburg Middle School (photo via Google Maps)

A stranger tried to lure a Williamsburg Middle School student into her car during Friday’s dismissal, according to police.

Arlington County police are so far classifying the incident as “suspicious,” stopping short of confirming it as an attempted abduction.

ACPD released the following statement about what happened to ARLnow.

At approximately 3:09 p.m. on December 8, police were dispatched to Williamsburg Middle School, located at 3600 N. Harrison Street, for the late report of an enticement. The preliminary investigation indicates between 4:00 and 4:15 p.m. on December 7, a student was waiting to be picked up outside the school when the female subject approached in a black Subaru and reportedly stated she had been sent by the student’s parents to pick them up. When the student declined, the subject drove away. The subject is described as a white female with shoulder length dirty blonde hair. The incident is being investigated as suspicious circumstances and police would like to identify and speak with the female subject. Anyone with information regarding the incident can contact Arlington County Police Department’s tip line at 703-228-4180 or [email protected].

The middle school, meanwhile, sent the following to families on Friday evening.

Dear Williamsburg Families:

We wanted to alert you of an incident that happened yesterday at dismissal. A student reported that a woman they did not know approached them outside of school at the pickup loop in a vehicle and told them she was sent by their mom to pick them up. Fortunately, the student had just spoken with their mom and said they would not go with her. The incident has been reported to local law enforcement.  Although we have not had incidents like this in the past, it is important for our students and families to exercise caution.

Please remind your students about steps they should take to ensure their safety when they are out in the community:
> Never get in a vehicle or leave the school with an individual you do not know without speaking to a trusted adult first.
> Always report all incidents immediately to an adult (parent, principal, teacher, resource officer) whenever something occurs that makes them feel unsafe.
> Be aware of their surroundings.
> Don’t wear devices that block their hearing or seeing.
> Avoid talking to, engaging with or answering questions to passersby or strangers.
> Always walk or bicycle with at least one buddy in well-lit areas.
> Use a cell phone, if available, to call for help. (If students have cell phones, make sure that emergency numbers are programmed into the    phone so they can be dialed quickly. Also, remind your student that the cell phone should not be used during class time at school.)
> Also remind them that if something occurs, they should report it to a trusted adult as soon as possible.

By working together, we can help to ensure that our students have a safe community in which they can continue to grow and learn. Please do not hesitate to call if you have any questions.

WMS Administration

NOW: Large response to fatal house fire near Arlington border in McLean

By ARLnow.com
1/8

A large fire department and police response is on scene at a fatal house fire in McLean, near the Arlington border.

The fire was reported around 9:15 a.m. on the 4000 block of Ridgeview Circle, in the Chain Bridge Forest neighborhood just south of the GW Parkway.

First arriving firefighters reported a column of smoke rising in the air and requested a second alarm, which included numerous fire department units from Arlington.

Firefighting operations were still in progress an hour after the initial dispatch, with white smoke rising from the garage, though the bulk of the fire was knocked down within 30 minutes. Much of the interior of the two-story home appears scorched, despite the front of the main roof remaining intact.

An SUV could be seen parked in the driveway of the home. Fairfax County police confirmed just before 10:30 a.m. that a man was found dead in a bedroom and an investigation is now underway.

Morning Poll: Keep inflatable decorations running all day?

By ARLnow.com
Christmas decorations weighed down by snow in North Arlington (staff photo)

Last week ARLnow received an interesting reader email.

The writer’s suggestion: we should beautify Arlington County by encouraging those with inflatable holiday decorations to keep them inflated at all times, rather than leaving them deflated during the day, as is often the case.

The email:

Suggest a public service announcement to make Arlington more beautiful over the holidays.

While many people keep their inflatable holiday decorations full during the day, several do not and for some reason choose only to fill them at night – thus resulting is what looks like piles of colored plastic bags laying on front yards.

Perhaps a positive message like:

“Thank you Arlingtonians for keeping your inflatable yard decorations full during the day, and not just at night – helping to keep Arlington looking good through the holidays”

Thanks

Now, some may see inflatables as a scourge, a tacky way for busy households to decorate for the holidays with minimal effort and storage space required. And others might have concerns about the electricity use of the fan-driven decorations.

But those who appreciate holiday decor in any form may find themselves agreeing with the letter writer.

What do you think?

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