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.
The dueling pianos will be on wheels and will make their way down the street between 6:30-8 p.m., weather permitting, a spokeswoman said.
“Ballston residents are encouraged to enjoy the concert from their balconies, the traveling dueling pianos will be on 9th Street and are likely to stop at the major intersections Stafford, Randolph and Quincy,” said the spokeswoman.
In addition to socially distanced viewing in person, the performance will be livestreamed online.
Are you ready to beat the blues? You’re invited to join Ballston’s 9th Street Rocks event on June 20th! Enjoy the full piano bar experience as we bring the famous Bobby McKey’s Dueling Pianos to Ballston. Grab dinner and a cocktail to-go from one of Ballston’s many restaurants, and watch this roaming performance from your balcony on 9th St N.
We are very excited to present a special performance by Ballston’s own blues legend, Memphis Gold! Ballston knows his high-energy blues from his Friday night serenades during the COVID-19 stay-at-home order. He’s continuing to bring his music to the streets on June 20th. You won’t want to miss this!
Whether you want a better view or to request a song, be sure to follow along with the live stream on Ballston’s Facebook and Instagram.
Big Response to Small Biz Grant Program — “Those hit hard by the pandemic can receive help through the small business emergency grant program. More than 1,100 businesses have applied, [County Board Chair Libby] Garvey said, and at least 63% of them are owned by women or minorities. ‘With an additional $1.6 million, we can provide grants to a total of 400 businesses, more than 50% of those that… were eligible,’ Garvey said,” during her State of the County address Tuesday morning. [WTOP, Zoom]
Chamber Presents Valor Awards — Also on Tuesday, “awards were presented to honor Arlington County’s public safety personnel and first responders. Fourteen honorees were recognized for their courageous, and often lifesaving, actions in the line of duty. Leadership of all respective departments submitted nominations for the honorees, based on their performance over the past year.” [Arlington Chamber of Commerce, InsideNova]
Road Closures for Grad Parades Tomorrow — “On Thursday, June 18, the Arlington County Police Department’s Special Operations Section will support Senior Graduation Parades for Wakefield High School and Washington-Liberty High School. Traffic around the schools will be impacted at the below listed times. The public can expect to see increased vehicle and pedestrian traffic in the surrounding neighborhoods.” [Arlington County]
CivFed Wants More Open Space — “The president of the Arlington County Civic Federation on June 13 delivered his message quietly but bluntly: The county government needs to put much more emphasis on acquiring land for parks and open space before the window of opportunity closes. Allan Gajadhar handed County Board members a Civic Federation resolution calling on the county government to better balance open-space and passive-recreation needs with facilities for sports and active recreation.” [InsideNova]
COVID Cases Among DCA Construction Workers — “Employees with 17 contractors working on Reagan National Airport’s massive capital improvement project have tested positive for Covid-19, according to a staff report issued ahead of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority’s upcoming board meeting… The most recent positive result was confirmed June 7.” [Washington Business Journal]
Juneteenth May Become State Holiday — “Gov. Ralph Northam (D) said Tuesday that he will support legislation to make Juneteenth, commemorating the end of slavery, a state holiday in Virginia. He gave executive branch state employees the day off Friday — June 19 — in recognition of the event. On that date in 1865, federal troops told enslaved people in Texas they had been freed, more than two years after Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.” [Washington Post]
Hundreds of union members are expected to participate in a caravan from Ballston to the U.S. Capitol around lunchtime Wednesday.
The Workers First Caravan for Racial and Economic Justice is being organized by a number of major labor organizations. Participants will be gathering at the Ballston public parking garage at 627 N. Glebe Road — plus a second staging site in Silver Spring, Maryland — to affix signs to their vehicles. At 11:45 a.m., they will drive to and circle the Capitol building in D.C.
“More than one thousand union members will travel to Washington, D.C. for the Workers First Caravan for Racial and Economic Justice, the headline event of a massive national mobilization with hundreds of actions calling for bold policies to confront the three crises facing America: a public health pandemic, an economic free fall and long-standing structural racism,” organizers said in a statement.
“Representing those employed in health care, public education, public service, hospitality and more, workers will call on lawmakers to act now to save our nation, save our economy and save workers’ lives,” the statement continues. “The Workers First Caravan is organized by AFSCME, AFT, IUPAT, IBT, UFCW, UNITE HERE and the AFL-CIO.”
Closed Next Day Blinds location in Virginia Square (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
Closed Next Day Blinds location in Virginia Square (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
If you were hoping for Next Day Blinds, you’ll now have to wait two extra days.
The regional window covering chain, which has a showroom in the Virginia Square area, has reportedly gone out of business. Instead, visitors to its now-defunct website are being redirected to a California company called 3 Day Blinds.
“Next Day Blinds has ceased operations and permanently closed its doors,” the website says. “3 Day Blinds, with over 40 years experience in the window coverings business, has hired a number of former Next Day Blinds Sales Staff, Design Consultants, Installation Experts and Administrative personnel. We will strive to continue the tradition of providing exceptional products and services to the Greater Baltimore / Washington DC area.”
Next Day Blinds had at least nine locations in the D.C. area. The company was founded in 1993, was a prolific local television advertiser, and billed itself as one of America’s largest regional manufacturers for custom window coverings.
While no reason for the closure was given, the last post on the company’s Facebook page from early April said it was temporarily closed during the pandemic.
Scenes from free COVID-19 testing at the Barcroft Community Center (Staff Photo by Jay Westcott)
Scenes from free COVID-19 testing at the Barcroft Community Center (Staff Photo by Jay Westcott)
Scenes from free COVID-19 testing at the Barcroft Community Center (Staff Photo by Jay Westcott)
Scenes from free COVID-19 testing at the Barcroft Community Center (Staff Photo by Jay Westcott)
Scenes from free COVID-19 testing at the Barcroft Community Center (Staff Photo by Jay Westcott)
Scenes from free COVID-19 testing at the Barcroft Community Center (Staff Photo by Jay Westcott)
Scenes from free COVID-19 testing at the Barcroft Community Center (Staff Photo by Jay Westcott)
Scenes from free COVID-19 testing at the Barcroft Community Center (Staff Photo by Jay Westcott)
The Barcroft sports complex in Arlington will again host a free coronavirus testing event this week.
More than 1,100 people were tested at the last mass testing event there, on May 26. Testing ended early after the event, which is sponsored by the state, ran out of tests.
The facility at 4200 S. Four Mile Drive will be again hosting a testing event open to anyone, with or without COVID-19 symptoms, this Friday from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. — or until tests run out. Both in-car and walk-up testing will be offered. There is no charge and no need for a doctor’s note or identification.
Drivers should expect traffic congestion in the area.
Another 17 confirmed coronavirus cases and two hospitalizations were reported in Arlington overnight, for a cumulative total of 2,363 cases, 407 hospitalizations and 125 deaths.
More on the testing event from a county press release:
To continue testing opportunities and limit community spread in areas disproportionately affected by COVID-19, Arlington County will host another one-day free COVID-19 testing event sponsored by the Commonwealth of Virginia. The event will take place Friday, June 19 and will again be held at Barcroft Sport and Fitness Center (4200 S. Four Mile Run Dr.). Tests will be conducted on both a drive-through and walk-up basis beginning at 8:00 a.m. and continuing until 4:00 p.m. or until tests run out.
“Our first large-scale testing event at Barcroft was very successful in providing access to those residents who may not otherwise be able to obtain testing and information,” said Dr. Reuben Varghese, Arlington Public Health Director. “These are residents who may be at higher risk of exposure, and so we wanted to offer another opportunity to reach as many of these residents as we can through this effort.”
This testing event is free of charge and does not require individuals to be symptomatic or have a previous appointment or doctor’s note. No identification is required. On-site translation will be available. Following the event, all attendees will be notified by phone with results as they become available.
Everyone visiting the testing site should wear a face covering. Attendees, especially those who walk to the testing site, should prepare for warmer weather and potentially long wait times by bringing water to stay hydrated and wearing sunscreen and light-colored clothing. The event will be held rain or shine; in case of dangerous inclement weather, officials may need to end testing early for safety.
This site is for COVID-19 viral testing only; antibody tests will not be available at this location. The Barcroft Sports & Fitness Center and surrounding parks property will be closed to all recreational activities, and there will be no public access outside those receiving testing.
Arlington County’s first large-scale testing site on this location occurred in May, during which nearly 1,200 individuals were tested. Additionally, the County’s walk-up COVID-19 sample collection site at the Arlington Mill Community Center in partnership with Arlington Free Clinic as well as the drive-through sample collection site in partnership with Virginia Hospital Center are both ongoing and accepting appointments.
Residents can learn more about COVID-19, including where to access testing, tips to keep themselves and their loved ones safe, how to pursue financial assistance, and more by visiting arlingtonva.us/covid-19 or calling 703-228-7999.
Update at 1:20 p.m. — “We have restored service to all customers,” says Dominion spokeswoman Peggy Fox. She said technicians are still trying to determine the cause of the outage.
Update at 11:55 a.m. — There are now just short of 5,700 without power in Arlington, mostly along and south of Columbia Pike. Numerous traffic signals in the Green Valley and Shirlington areas are dark.
Earlier: Nearly 8,000 Dominion customers are currently without electricity in Arlington, according to the power company’s website.
The widespread outage extends from the Shirlington area as far north as Rosslyn, according to a Dominion map. The reason for the outage is only listed as “circuit out.” Police are responding to help direct traffic on the county’s western end of Columbia Pike, where traffic signals are dark.
Nearly 600 Dominion customers are also said to be without power in Alexandria.
Police are looking for a man who allegedly exposed himself to a woman he asked for directions.
The incident happened this past Friday night in the Douglas Park neighborhood. Arlington County police say the man pulled over to ask for directions, then exposed himself to the victim after the walked over to help.
He was driving a gray, two-door sports car at the time. Police were not able to determine the make and model of the vehicle based on the victim’s description.
More from an ACPD crime report:
INDECENT EXPOSURE, 2020-06120210, 1400 block of S. George Mason Drive. At approximately 9:30 p.m. on June 12, an officer was approached by the victim in need of assistance. It was determined that the victim was walking in the area when the male suspect pulled up next to her in his vehicle and asked for directions. When the victim approached the vehicle to assist the driver, she observed the male suspect lean towards her and expose himself. The suspect then fled in his vehicle. The suspect is described as a white male, with short blonde hair, approximately 6’1″-6’3″, 190-220 lbs., wearing a blue polo shirt and khaki pants. The vehicle is described as a gray, two-door, sports car. The investigation is ongoing.
Also on Friday, a separate indecent exposure incident was reported in the Virginia Square area, near W-L High School and Quincy Park.
INDECENT EXPOSURE, 2020-06120104, Washington Boulevard at N. Quincy Street. At approximately 10:42 a.m. on June 12, police were dispatched to the report of an indecent exposure. Upon arrival, it was determined that the victim was inside his residence when he looked out the window and observed the male suspect coming in and out of the bushes multiple times, while touching himself inappropriately. He attempted to confront the suspect, who fled on foot prior to police arrival. The suspect is described as a black male in his late 40’s or early 50’s, approximately 5’8″, with a white beard, wearing a long sleeve khaki shirt with a blue t-shirt underneath, khaki pants, and a gray hat. The investigation is ongoing.
Columbia Pike realignment and Arlington National Cemetery expansion plan (via Arlington County)
The US Air Force Memorial at sunset (Staff Photo by Jay Westcott)
Arlington National Cemetery southern expansion and Columbia Pike realignment plan (via Arlington National Cemetery)
Clouds over the US Air Force Memorial at sunset (Staff Photo by Jay Westcott)
Plans for the realignment of Columbia Pike associated with the expansion of Arlington National Cemetery (via the Army Corps of Engineers)
Columbia Pike near the US Air Force Memorial at sunset (Staff photo by Jay Westcott)
The Dept. of Justice has filed a civil action that would seize nine acres of county land on the eastern end of Columbia Pike by eminent domain, in order to expand Arlington National Cemetery.
The suit appears to be part of the long-standing plan to expand the cemetery around the Air Force Memorial, and includes no indication of resistance from the county. Arlington endorsed the federal proposal in April, which realigns and upgrades a portion of Columbia Pike in exchange for the county-owned land next to the cemetery.
As of Tuesday morning neither the Justice Department nor the county responded to requests for comment by ARLnow.
The action was announced Monday, with the DOJ touting it as a win for both military veterans and local residents.
“When completed, the Arlington National Cemetery Southern Expansion Project will provide for approximately 60,000 additional burial sites, including an above ground columbarium,” said a press release. “The expansion will extend the timeline for Arlington National Cemetery to continue as an active military cemetery.”
“The expansion project will benefit Arlington County and its residents by, among other things, burying overhead power lines and incorporating the Air Force Memorial and surrounding vacant land into Arlington National Cemetery,” the press release continues. “The project will transform Columbia Pike from South Oak Street to Washington Boulevard by re-aligning and widening it. The project includes streetscape zones with trees on both sides of Columbia Pike, adding a new dedicated bike path, and widening pedestrian walkways. The project also provides for the construction of a new South Nash Street.”
“We had to close to regroup to come back better than ever,” general manager Mary Marchetti said in February. ARLnow reported that Stageplate, which gets its name from its owners’ entertainment industry catering experience, was “planning for the reopening to coincide with the first day of spring on March 21.”
Then, of course, the pandemic happened.
As of last week, the Stageplate Bistro logos had been removed from the windows, and a leasing sign was up. The restaurant’s website produces an error message and its phone number has been discontinued.
The tables remained set inside, however, waiting for diners that may not get a chance to dine there again.
Special County Board Meeting Planned — On Thursday at 6 p.m., the Arlington County Board “will hold a special meeting for a listening session on racial justice, systemic racism and policing. The County Board special meeting will be conducted using electronic means.” [Arlington County]
County Commissions Still Mostly Inactive — “Faced with a growing rebellion over the lack of meetings by Arlington government advisory panels, County Board members and top staff on June 13 offered (slightly defensive) apologies – but not much of a roadmap forward. Board members were responding to a June 9 letter sent to them by 25 chairs of advisory groups, complaining that the local government has been lagging in re-starting meetings that largely have been on hold since the COVID-19 pandemic struck in March.” [InsideNova]
Pandemic Affects College Plans — From a 60 Minutes segment on Sunday: “The struggle extends to those already in college who are laboring to pay tuition and are weighed down by debt like 20-year-old Katherine Trejo of Arlington, Virginia. The daughter of a single mom from Bolivia, Katherine was supposed to graduate from George Mason next year. She is the first person in her family to attend college.” [CBS News]
Summer School Registration Underway — “Registration for distance learning secondary summer school is underway. Elementary students who qualify to participate in the Elementary Summer Learning Program will automatically be registered by APS.” [Arlington Public Schools]
Guilty Plea in Case Involving Arlington Company — “A former Arlington business executive pleaded guilty today to embezzling nearly $8 million that was intended to settle claims by children who alleged they were victims of medical malpractice. According to court documents, Joseph E. Gargan, 59, of Round Hill, was the Chief Executive Office of the Pension Company, Inc., an Arlington business that would execute settlement agreements entered into between civil litigants.” [Dept. of Justice]
ARLnow Operating Remotely — Since the first confirmed local coronavirus case in March, ARLnow’s employees have been working from home. We plan to continue working remotely until 2021, and may continue to have most employees work remotely most of the time after that. [Washingtonian]
Renderings from synthesized Metropolitan Park design (screenshot via Arlington County)
Synthesized Metropolitan Park design (screenshot via Arlington County)
Renderings from synthesized Metropolitan Park design (screenshot via Arlington County)
Renderings from synthesized Metropolitan Park design (screenshot via Arlington County)
Renderings from synthesized Metropolitan Park design (screenshot via Arlington County)
Renderings from synthesized Metropolitan Park design (screenshot via Arlington County)
Renderings from synthesized Metropolitan Park design (screenshot via Arlington County)
Renderings from synthesized Metropolitan Park design (screenshot via Arlington County)
Renderings from synthesized Metropolitan Park design (screenshot via Arlington County)
Renderings from synthesized Metropolitan Park design (screenshot via Arlington County)
Renderings from synthesized Metropolitan Park design (screenshot via Arlington County)
Renderings from synthesized Metropolitan Park design (screenshot via Arlington County)
Renderings from synthesized Metropolitan Park design (screenshot via Arlington County)
Potential Amazon banana stand in Metropolitan Park (via Arlington County)
The design process for the revamped Metropolitan Park near Amazon’s future Pentagon City offices is nearing the finish line.
A final draft design for the park was presented last week, revealing a hybrid of the “Forest Walk” and “Social Gardens” concepts previously detailed by James Corner Field Operations, which designed New York City’s famous High Line. Amazon is funding the design work for the park, which is adjacent to its future HQ2.
The updated design is a “more social version” of the Forest Walk concept that was generally favored in the latest round of public feedback, designers said. It includes:
Meandering paths
A “hammock clearing” on the forest walk
The possibility of public art along the paths
An overlook
A central green for gatherings and events
A day care garden near HQ2
A “meadow lounge”
A play garden with playground equipment
A “community table” for dining amid nature
A cafe terrace
A 4,000 square foot dog park with separate areas for large and small dogs
The county and the designers are now gathering feedback on the synthesized design, before making some tweaks and creating a final design for consideration by the County Board in September.
