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.

NEW: Bomb threat at Arlington synagogue

By ARLnow.com
Police car at night (file photo courtesy Kevin Wolf)

(Updated at 10:30 p.m.) Police responded to a bomb threat at an Arlington synagogue tonight.

Arlington County police were dispatched to Congregation Etz Hayim, along Route 50 in the Arlington Heights neighborhood, around 5:30 p.m. Initial reports suggest that someone texted a crisis hotline that they had placed a bomb at the synagogue and were also planning to stab people inside.

No bomb was found nor did any acts of violence occur, ACPD told ARLnow.

From a police spokeswoman:

At approximately 5:25 p.m. on November 17, police were dispatched to the 2900 block of Arlington Boulevard for the report of suspicious circumstances. The preliminary investigation indicates the suspect contacted a crisis hotline and allegedly made threats to bomb a house of worship. Responding officers made contact with the occupants of the property and searched the area and no evidence of a crime was located. The investigation is ongoing.

The threat comes at a time of rising antisemitism amid the Israel-Hamas war.

A tipster tells ARLnow that the threat was made during the congregation’s “Tot Shabbat” service.

“This service is aimed at kids under 6 and their families, and it is sponsored in memory of a stillborn baby,” the tipster said.

Just in time for the holidays, here are some of the newer additions to the ARLnow Shop

By ARLnow.com
1/5

The holiday season is here and you’re probably wondering what to get those special Arlingtonians in your life. Lucky for you, the ARLnow Shop has plenty of gift options for savvy locals.

Among the offerings are some new, notable additions since the store launched in August, including:

Yet another threat at a local middle school prompts police response

By ARLnow.com
Swanson Middle School (photo via APS)

Swanson Middle School was put in “secure the school” mode this morning (Friday) due to a threat.

Initial reports suggest the school’s office received a shooting threat via email. Police responded to investigate around 10 a.m. and the security status was lifted about an hour and a half later.

This is just the latest in a series of apparent hoax threats at Arlington middle schools.

Swanson was locked down Monday due to a phoned-in bomb threat. Gunston was locked down Tuesday due to a threat found in a bathroom. Last week another threat found in a Gunston girls’ bathroom prompted a police investigation.

In March, Gunston was put in lockdown after “a message written inside a restroom stall referencing gun violence” was discovered. In May, a Kenmore student was charged after an implied shooting threat was posted on social media. Threats have also been made at high schools, with police investigating a verbal threat of “shooting up the class” at Washington-Liberty on Monday.

More on the latest threat, below, via Arlington Public Schools.

UPDATED: Arlington issues fire ban amid Fire Weather Watch for N. Va.

By ARLnow.com
Smoke from wildfires turns the setting sun red near the U.S. Air Force Memorial in September (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Update at 7:35 p.m. — Arlington County’s Chief Fire Marshal has issued a “fire ban” through midnight Sunday due to the wildfire risk, according to a social media post by the fire department.

Earlier: The wildfire threat is continuing this weekend.

A dangerous combination of gusty winds, dry vegetation and low humidity on Saturday means that brush fires could quickly spread. As a result, the National Weather Service just issued a Fire Weather Watch for Northern Virginia.

While brush fires are usually extinguished quickly in Arlington, elsewhere in Virginia fire crews have been dealing with a series of large wildfires. Gov. Glenn Youngkin declared a state of emergency last week due to ongoing wildfires, while the latest — the Matts Creek Fire near Lynchburg — is growing and expected to bring smoke to our region this afternoon.

More on the local wildfire threat, from the National Weather Service, below.

1125 AM EST Fri Nov 17 2023

…FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY MORNING THROUGH SATURDAY AFTERNOON FOR THE POTENTIAL OF ENHANCED SPREAD OF WILDFIRES IN CENTRAL AND NORTHERN VIRGINIA…

The National Weather Service in Baltimore MD/Washington has issued a Fire Weather Watch for the potential of enhanced spread of wildfires, which is in effect from Saturday morning through Saturday afternoon.

* WINDS…Northwest 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY…As low as 27 percent.

* IMPACTS…The combination of dry conditions, low humidity, and strong gusty winds may result in favorable conditions for the rapid spread of fires.

* FUEL MOISTURE…10 to 15 percent for 10 hour fuels.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions may occur. Listen for later forecasts and possible Red Flag Warnings.

Arlington Pet of the Week: Bruni

By ARLnow.com
1/4

Please give a warm welcome to Bruni aka Brunello Harris, the newest Arlington Pet of the Week!

This adorable fluffy guy is living his best life.

His mom had a few things to say about Bruni:

Bruni was born October 20 of 2020 and joined his Mommy as a pandemic puppy that December. Bruni’s full name is Brunello Harris. Brunello, after Mommy’s favorite wine, and Harris, after the first female VP.

Bruni’s favorite things are greeting people, chasing squirrels, and cuddles when he is tired. He also loves to check out new Arlington parks and trails — new places are so fun!

His favorite toys are Mr. Raccoon, his Easter tennis ball, and anything that makes mommy play too.

He likes tummy rubs, walking across the back of the couch, and watching dogs and people from his balcony.

Bruni has his own IG page @BruniTheHavi!

Want your pet to be considered for the Arlington Pet of the Week? Email [email protected] with 2-3 paragraphs about your pet and at least 3-4 horizontally-oriented photos.

VDOT work on W-L parking garage over I-66 underway

By ARLnow.com
W-L parking garage over I-66 (via VDOT)

Construction has started on a project to “repair and rehabilitate” an ’80s-era parking garage over I-66.

The unique parking structure adjacent to Washington-Liberty High School was in need of work “to improve safety and extend the overall life of the garage.”

Virginia Dept. of Transportation crews recently started work on the nearly $4 million project, which is expected to wrap up late next year. Some overnight lane closures on I-66 are expected during that time.

More, below, from a VDOT press release.

Work is underway to repair and rehabilitate the parking garage over I-66 between North Stafford Street and North Quincy Street to improve safety and extend the overall life of the garage, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation.

The three-story concrete garage was built in 1982 and is adjacent to Washington-Liberty High School.

The project includes:

  • Garage platform and ramp repairs with joint replacement
  • Repairs to beams and columns
  • Partial removal of the elastomeric bearing sheets

During construction:

  • Overnight lane closures may be scheduled on I-66 in the area of the garage
  • The Custis Trail parallel to the garage will remain open to bicyclists and pedestrians

The $3.9 million Parking Garage Repairs over I-66 Project is financed with state funding.

The project is scheduled for completion in late 2024.

Drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians are reminded to use caution when traveling in active work zones. Be alert to new traffic patterns and limit distractions.

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com
Foot traffic along the W&OD trail and road traffic along I-66 (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Trial Date for Missing Middle Suit — From the anti-Missing Middle group Neighbors for Neighborhoods: “Today, Judge David Schell set the date for a five-day trial, commencing July 8, 2024 trial date in the case against the Arlington County Board seeking to invalidate Missing Middle Housing/Expanded Housing Options (EHO) zoning.” [Press Release]

YHS Playoff Game Tonight — “With one upset already achieved, the seventh-seeded Yorktown Patriots will attempt to continue their Cinderella story in the semifinals of the 6D North Region high-school football tournament. Yorktown (7-4) faces the host and six-seed Westfield Bulldogs (8-3) in that semifinal Friday night, Nov. 17 at 7 p.m.” [Gazette Leader]

Gas Station Robbery on the Pike — From Dave Statter: “The Citgo next to Bob and Edith’s on Columbia Pike was just robbed. Car and people are the same description of those involved in a couple of robberies this afternoon in Alexandria.” [Twitter]

Pentagon City Crash on Camera — Also from Dave Statter: “Watch the traffic signal. A little crash an hour ago at S. 12th and Fern in Pentagon City. @ArlingtonVaPD & @ArlingtonVaFD handled.” [Twitter]

ACPD ‘Fill the Cruiser’ Tomorrow — “Brighten the holidays for an Arlington child in need by donating new, unwrapped toys for ages newborn-17 at our first Fill the Cruiser Toy Drive events of the year on 11/18! Westover Baptist Church, 10 AM-12 PM… Lee Harrison Shopping Center, 3-5 PM.” [Twitter]

VHC Collects Food for AFAC — “A food fight for a good cause at VHC Health resulted in thousands of canned food items for Arlington County families in need. Employees at the hospital participated in a friendly competition to see which unit could collect the most canned goods. In less than two months, 6,200 cans were gathered for the Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC).” [WJLA]

B&E’s Still Expanding — “Bob & Edith’s Diner is Expanding to Manassas, VA! Get ready, Manassas! We’re thrilled to announce the upcoming opening of our 7th diner located in the Manassas Corner Shopping Center, by the end of 2023!” [Potomac Local]

Smoky Smell Explained — “It has been a smoky year in the Mid-Atlantic. First, plumes came from a record-setting fire season in Canada. Now, the source of the smoke is its own backyard. The Matts Creek Fire northwest of Lynchburg, Va., first reported Sunday, rapidly expanded Wednesday into Thursday. Burning in the Jefferson National Forest, the fire is being fanned by gusty breezes and fueled by an intensifying drought.” [Capital Weather Gang]

It’s Friday — Patchy fog will clear up by 9am, followed by partly sunny skies and a high of around 69 degrees. Expect south winds of 5 to 11 mph, gusting up to 18 mph. Friday night will bring a slight chance of showers and mostly cloudy conditions, with a low near 52 degrees. South winds will calm to 5 to 7 mph before becoming light and variable, and there will be a 20% chance of precipitation. [Weather.gov]

ARLnow Daily Debrief for Nov 16, 2023

By ARLnow.com

Good Thursday 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 — Nov 16, 2023.

📅 Upcoming events

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

🌤️ Friday’s forecast

Patchy fog is expected to clear by 9am, giving way to partly sunny conditions and a high near 69 degrees. South winds will range from 5 to 11 mph, with potential gusts up to 18 mph. Friday night, there is a slight chance of showers, with mostly cloudy skies and a low around 52 degrees. South winds will decrease to 5 to 7 mph before becoming light and variable, and the chance of precipitation stands at 20%. See more from Weather.gov.

💡 Quote of the Day

“Happiness is not something you postpone for the future; it is something you design for the present.”
– Jim Rohn

🌅 Tonight’s sunset

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

Most and least expensive townhouses sold in Arlington (October 2023)

By ARLnow.com

Here in Arlington, real estate is a spectator sport. Let’s take a look at some of the most and least expensive townhouses sold last month (October 2023).

Most expensive townhouses sold

  1. 2117 21st Rd N — North Highland — $1,550,000 (3 beds | 5 baths | 3,532 sq. ft.)
  2. 5740 10th Rd N — Westover Village — $1,125,000 (4 beds | 5 baths | 2,420 sq. ft.)
  3. 1737 N Wakefield St — Waverly Hills– $990,000 (4 beds | 3.5 baths | 2,250 sq. ft.)

Least expensive townhouses sold*

  1. 1100 S Barton St Unit 297 — Arlington Village — $320,000 (1 beds | 1 baths | 800 sq. ft.)
  2. 1201 S Barton St Unit 151 — Arlington Village — $325,000 (1 beds | 1 baths | 800 sq. ft.)
  3. 1200 S Barton St Unit 318 — Arlington Village — $332,000 (1 beds | 1 baths | 840 sq. ft.)

*Minimum home value of $200,000 set to exclude certain land sales, retirement condos, properties with expiring ground leases, etc.

NEW: County truck drives off bridge in local park

By ARLnow.com
1/6

An Arlington County-owned pickup truck was driven off the side of a small concrete bridge in Lubber Run Park this afternoon.

The low, narrow bridge over Lubber Run is located just to the north of the park’s amphitheater, in the Arlington Forest neighborhood.

Initially, the incident drew a large rescue response to the park, but arriving firefighters quickly determined that no one was injured nor trapped by the crash. They secured the truck in place ahead of the arrival of tow crews.

Police and county personnel remain on scene as crews work to pull the truck back onto the trail.

Morning Poll: How much has Amazon HQ2 actually changed Arlington?

By ARLnow.com
Amazon HQ2 Phase 1 (photo courtesy Amazon)

This week marks the five-year anniversary of Amazon’s decision to locate its second headquarters in Arlington.

The initial plan had HQ2 split between Arlington and New York City, but a few months later NYC was out and Arlington was the sole destination for the tech and retail giant.

In the five years since, Amazon has completed the first phase of its planned office complex and hired about 8,000 Arlington-based employees out of the 25,000 it says will eventually work here. Disappointing fans of the proposed “Helix” tower, however, it has delayed construction on the second phase of HQ2.

Arlington, and the dozens of cities that competed for HQ2, had visions of emerging as another Silicon Valley with the addition of a large Amazon presence. While Amazon certainly has provided a boost to the local tech scene, it’s hard to argue that Arlington is anywhere close to rivaling the Bay Area.

HQ2 is now a gleaming presence in Arlington, and adjacent Metropolitan Park has gotten a big upgrade from its former days as a defacto dog bathroom, but Pentagon City lacks the throngs of security-badged employees that one might expect around a major tech headquarters.

Meanwhile, fears of skyrocketing housing prices have only partially come to fruition. After the HQ2 announcement Arlington real estate prices rose disproportionately compared to the rest of the region, the Washington Business Journal reported, but that has since reversed, calling into question the true impact.

Housing prices and tech employment may be objective ways to measure the local HQ2 impact, but today we’re running a poll that takes a different approach: vibes.

Given your local knowledge, how do you assess the Amazon-driven changes in Arlington? How much of an impact do you think HQ2 has actually had?

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