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.

ARLnow Daily Debrief for Sep 7, 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 — Sep 7, 2023.

📅 Upcoming events

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

🌦️ Friday’s forecast

There’s a 50% chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms with areas of fog clearing by 8am. Apart from this, expect mostly sunny skies, a high of 92°F, and calm winds 5-9 mph from the south. Friday night, the chance of precipitation increases to 60%, with showers and potential thunderstorms starting before 8pm and carrying on, with new rainfall amounts ranging from a tenth to a quarter of an inch, except in thunderstorms. Temperatures will drop to a low of about 70°F as winds decrease after midnight. See more from Weather.gov.

💡 Quote of the Day

“It always seems impossible until it’s done.”
– Nelson Mandela

🌅 Tonight’s sunset

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

Most and least expensive homes sold in Arlington (August 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 single-family homes sold last month (August 2023).

Most expensive single-family homes sold

  1. 4A N Ridgeview Rd — Dover Crystal — $3,608,356 (5 beds | 6.5 baths | 6,404 sq. ft.)
  2. 3133 N Piedmont St — Bellevue Forest — $2,850,000 (5 beds | 8 baths | 9,004 sq. ft.)
  3. 135 N Edgewood St — Lyon Park — $2,800,000 (5 beds | 7 baths | 5,544 sq. ft.)
  4. 4101 N Richmond St — Old Glebe — $2,725,000 (5 beds | 5.5 baths | 6,279 sq. ft.)
  5. 5407 36th St N — Williamsburg — $2,695,000 (7 beds | 7.5 baths | 6,580 sq. ft.)

Least expensive single-family homes sold*

  1. 2714 S Troy St — Long Branch Creek — $683,000 (3 beds | 2 baths | 1,653 sq. ft.)
  2. 3519 17th St S — Douglas Park — $685,000 (2 beds | 1 baths | 990 sq. ft.)
  3. 1955 S Kenmore St — Green Valley — $690,000 (4 beds | 2 baths | 1,864 sq. ft.)

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

NEW: Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued for Arlington

By ARLnow.com
Severe Thunderstorm Watch graphic (via National Weather Service)

Arlington — along with D.C., Alexandria, Fairfax County and other neighboring jurisdictions — is under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch.

Amid temperatures in the mid-90s and several Severe Thunderstorm Warnings to the west, the National Weather Service issued the watch around 1:15 p.m. It is in effect until 9 p.m. and includes much of eastern Pennsylvania and portions of New York State.

Forecasters say that scattered strong storms are likely later today in the immediate D.C. area.

“Scattered to numerous severe storms are possible this afternoon and evening,” the National Weather Service said. “Damaging wind gusts are the primary threat. Isolated instances of considerable wind damage from severe thunderstorms are possible. Isolated instances of large hail are possible as well.”

After the line of storms passes things should quiet down for the rest of the night, but another round of severe weather is expected Friday, forecasters say.

Ireland’s Four Courts reopening to the public today after honoring victims and first responders

By ARLnow.com
1/30

(Updated at 12:10 p.m.) The first thing you notice when walking into the rebuilt Ireland’s Four Courts — which is officially reopening today, at long last — is that it’s both familiar and new at the same time.

The interior is a bit brighter and more open — the crash that smashed and torched the long-time Courthouse watering hole last summer revealed to the owners that the columns near the front were decorative, not structural.

The predominant color scheme is now teal instead of red. The mugs that used to hang behind the bar are gone — the heat from the fire melted them, leaving just handles hanging from the peg board. Additionally, the back room is now more inviting for patrons and private events, with a library and an upgraded second bar.

On the other hand, the general layout is the same. And you’ll notice touches that were salvaged from the old Four Courts: the handmade-in-Ireland tables have a fresh coat of paint and varnish, the soccer jersey that miraculously survived the flames, the antique Irish fireplace that needed 30 hours or restoration work, the Men of Aran sculpture, and a few other items.

Four Courts would have probably needed an interior refresh at some point this decade, but this was not the way managing partner Dave Cahill and other owners wanted it to happen.

When the rideshare driver who was suffering an apparent medical emergency slammed into the pub on Aug. 12, 2022, a group of coworkers were marking an occasion together near the front. They never saw the car barrelling toward them.

The 14 people who were injured, including the three critically hurt from that group — who spent an extended period of time in the hospital — were honored during a private event at the pub Wednesday evening.

The Arlington first responders who rushed to the scene and — along with fellow patrons — helped to pull the injured out of the building just as the inferno started spreading were also honored at the event. Without them, according to Cahill, multiple people would have died and Four Courts would never have reopened.

That everyone survived is its own miracle. The force of the impact was such that a patron sitting at the bar, well away from where the car came to rest, with the dazed driver and rideshare passenger inside, was blown off of his barstool.

After eight months of a complete interior demolition and reconstruction — and despite some work left to be done with the exterior facade — Four Courts will reopen to the public at 4 p.m.

There will be live music today, Friday and Saturday. And as before, those hoping to catch some sports from across the pond can expect a 9 a.m. opening time on Saturday.

For Cahill and others who witnessed the crash and its aftermath, memories of the horror of that day are still fresh. But for now he’s focusing on the reopening, which is also a homecoming for Four Courts’ legion of displaced regulars.

“I am feeling a huge relief to be at the finish line and a great of excitement to open the doors and see all the familiar face again,” Cahill told ARLnow. “Four Courts is a home and away from home for so many of our customers and we are excited to welcome them back. It’s like having my birthday, St. Patrick’s Day and Christmas Day all at once. We can not wait!”

ARLnow Daily Debrief for Sep 6, 2023

By ARLnow.com

Good Wednesday 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 — Sep 6, 2023.

📅 Upcoming events

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

🌦️ Thursday’s forecast

There is a 40% chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms, with mostly sunny skies and a high near 96°F. Light south wind will increase to 5-10 mph in the morning. Thursday night, showers and thunderstorms are likely before 2am, with a 50% chance of precipitation. Patchy fog is expected after 3am, and a low around 71°F. The southwest wind at 5-8 mph will become light and variable after midnight. See more from Weather.gov.

💡 Quote of the Day

“Silence is a source of great strength.”
– Lao Tzu

🌅 Tonight’s sunset

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

NOW: Manhunt for escaped D.C. murder suspect underway just across from Arlington

By ARLnow.com
Arlington County police car (staff photo)

A manhunt is underway in D.C. for an escaped murder suspect, and Arlington police are on alert should he try to cross into the county.

D.C. and federal officers are currently searching the Georgetown area, following the 30-year-old suspect’s escape from GW Hospital this afternoon. Police have also been searching the Foggy Bottom area.

Both areas are just across from Arlington, via the Roosevelt Bridge and Key Bridge respectively.

As of 5:30 p.m. traffic on the Key Bridge was partially blocked by the police activity associated with the manhunt. The U.S. Park Police helicopter is also circling overhead.

Shortly after the escape, Arlington County police broadcast a “be on the lookout” notice for the suspect. While officers remain on alert, a police spokeswoman tells ARLnow that they do not have reason to believe the suspect is currently in Arlington.

“The Arlington County Police Department is aware of the wanted escapee out of Washington D.C.,” said ACPD’s Ashley Savage. “At this time, we do not have credible information that the suspect is currently located in Arlington County. If a member of the public observes the individual, they should call 9-1-1.”

Listing of the Day: 5112 9th Street N.

By ARLnow.com
1/6

Address: 5112 9th Street N
Neighborhood: Mulhall
Type: 5 BR, 5 BA single-family detached — 3,557 sq. ft.
Listed: $1,999,000

Noteworthy: Brand new home that checks all the boxes and has a large, fenced backyard!

Welcome to your new home by Classic Cottages! This beautifully designed residence offers an unparalleled living experience with a 13 minute walk to Ballston Quarter.

The gourmet kitchen is a chef’s dream, equipped with JennAir stainless steel appliances, sleek quartz countertops, ample storage space, and a center island that serves as a focal point for culinary creations. Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting out, this kitchen provides everything you need to whip up delicious meals.

Upstairs, you’ll find the luxurious primary suite, offering a private retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The primary bedroom boasts generous proportions, large windows, and two walk-in closets, providing both comfort and convenience. The primary bathroom is a spa-like oasis, featuring a soaking tub, a walk-in shower, and elegant fixtures that exude sophistication. Two additional well-appointed bedrooms can be found on this level, each with its own unique charm and plenty of natural light. These rooms are versatile and can be used as guest rooms or a home office.

The lower level of the home offers additional living space, including a spacious recreation room with wet bar, bonus room and guest room. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to personalize the space to suit your lifestyle.

Outside, the property features a beautifully landscaped yard, providing a serene environment for outdoor activities and gatherings. The deck is perfect for barbecues and al fresco dining. 5112 9th Street N benefits from its prime location in Arlington.

Listed by:
Michelle Lynch — Urban Living Real Estate, LLC
[email protected]
(571) 366-3324

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com
Sunset outside Alice West Fleet Elementary School (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Synthetic Field Replacement Plan — “Arlington School Board members later this month are expected to ratify final procedural steps that will permit replacement of artificial turf at the Washington-Liberty High School football stadium and at a field at Williamsburg Middle School. School Board approval is required to allow easements so the county government’s Department of Parks and Recreation can oversee the work.” [Gazette Leader]

NHL Rookies in Arlington — “The whole day was special for Bedard, who took part along with 33 other players in the NHLPA Rookie Showcase at MedStar Capitals Iceplex. The players autographed memorabilia, took part in photo and video shoots on and off the ice for EA Sports, and posed for their first official Upper Deck trading cards.” [NHL,]

September Is Preparedness Month — “September marks National Preparedness Month, an annual opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies that could happen at any time. The Ready Campaign’s 2023 National Preparedness Month theme is Take Control in 1, 2, 3. The campaign focuses on preparing older adults for disasters, specifically those from communities disproportionally impacted by emergencies.” [Arlington County]

New Economic Development Official — “Arlington Economic Development has named Katharine (Kate) Ange as the new Deputy Director for the department, effective September 5… Kate brings a wealth of leadership and business development experience to AED.” [Arlington Economic Development]

Local Dems Support Starbucks Union — “Thanks to @AdeleMcClure_ and @Matt4Arlington and @swbaker12 for coming to a Sip-in at Arlington Courthouse to support @SBWorkersUnited.” [Twitter]

More Bad Driving on I-395 — From Dave Statter: “@CursedMerc witnessed this Friday afternoon at I-395S Exit 8C (to Crystal City) & wondered if we could share the brilliance of this driver with others. Of course we can. We can also dedicate a song to this driver if anyone has suggestions.” [Twitter]

Yorktown Improves to 2-0 — “In a similar manner to their opening-game victory, the Yorktown Patriots repeated some of those performances Aug. 31 in week-two action to improve to 2-0 with a non-district home win in high-school football action. In a 37-7 win over Jackson-Reed from D.C., the Patriots rushed for 274 yards.” [Gazette Leader]

W-L Tallies Another Win — “For the second straight contest, Washington-Liberty scored early and often behind a strong passing attack to defeat the Annandale Atoms, 49-20, in high-school football action. Washington-Liberty quarterback Jon Bhojwani was 21 of 27 passing for 325 yards and four touchdowns with no interception.” [Gazette Leader]

Carjacking Arrest in F.C. — “On August 28, 2023 in a parking garage in the 500 block of S. Washington Street, an adult was exiting their vehicle and confronted by a suspect. The suspect was holding a backpack while clutching a crowbar and told the victim that he wanted his vehicle. The victim pushed the subject away and the suspect fled the parking garage… The suspect was located in the Arlington County Adult Detention Center waiting to be transported to Fairfax County Adult Detention Center on unrelated charges.” [City of Falls Church]

It’s Wednesday — A sunny and hot day, with temperatures near 100°F. Tonight, expect partly cloudy skies with lows around 75°F. [Weather.gov]

ARLnow Daily Debrief for Sep 5, 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 — Sep 5, 2023.

📅 Upcoming events

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

☀️ Wednesday’s forecast

The weather forecast expects a sunny and hot day with a high temperature near 100 degrees, accompanied by a northwest wind at about 6 mph. As for Wednesday night, it will be partly cloudy with a low temperature around 75 degrees. The southeast wind at 5 mph will become light and variable as the night progresses. See more from Weather.gov.

💡 Quote of the Day

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
– Mahatma Gandhi

🌅 Tonight’s sunset

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

NEW: Woman cited after car towed with kids inside

By ARLnow.com
1/8

A Maryland woman was cited by police after her car was towed, unknowingly with two young children inside.

Arlington County police were called shortly after 11 a.m. today (Tuesday) by a distraught woman reporting that her car was stolen from outside the Macy’s in Pentagon City. A one-year-old and a three-year-old were inside the vehicle, the woman reported.

“At approximately 11:10 a.m. on September 5, police were dispatched to the 1100 block of S. Hayes Street for the report of a stolen vehicle with two children inside,” police spokeswoman Ashley Savage tells ARLnow. “While officers were responding to the call, it was determined the vehicle had been reported as towed for being parked in a no parking zone.”

The car had been towed by Advanced Towing and was back at their lot in Ballston, a dispatcher told officers, who then responded to the lot.

“The preliminary investigation indicates the tow operator was unaware the children were inside and upon notification, pulled over to check on them,” Savage said. “Responding officers then made contact with the children and determined they were in good health.”

The 26-year-old driver of the car that was towed “was charged with Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor and released on a summons,” Savage added. “The investigation into the incident is ongoing.”

ARLnow was on scene as the woman arrived in a police cruiser and was reunited with the children within the tow lot.

An Advanced Towing spokeswoman confirmed to ARLnow that the vehicle was towed while the engine was still running, so the air conditioning was still on in the car as temperatures reached into the 90s. Her towing fee was waived, the spokeswoman said.

John O’Neill, owner of the towing company, told ARLnow that the driver looked into the car but did not see the children. They were in their car seats in the backseat of the Hyundai crossover-style vehicle, ARLnow observed through the tow company’s fence, after a police officer had opened a rear door.

“I looked at the driver’s pictures before towing you cannot see those kids in the car at all,” O’Neill said. He claimed the vehicle was left unattended for 16 minutes in a tow-away zone outside the Pentagon City mall.

“We see this all the time,” O’Neill said. “She didn’t want to be inconvenienced to take the kids out to go into the mall and left them unattended in the fire lane.”

The normal procedure when a driver sees children in an unattended vehicle, he said, is to “call the police and we wait.”

Advanced has been the target of much ire — from members of the public and public officials alike — over its prolific trespass towing, which many claim is done in a reckless or “predatory” manner.

In 2021, a lawsuit by Virginia’s then-Attorney General resulted in a fine levied by an Arlington judge — though the suit was largely unsuccessful and O’Neill claimed vindication. Last month, Arlington County began enforcing zoning rules related to Advanced’s tow lot, following a campaign by a local Twitter user.

In 2020, O’Neill was injured by an Uber driver who struck him while trying to drive off the lot without paying. The driver later pleaded guilty to reckless driving.

Stick shift foils attempted carjacking in Ballston

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

A carjacking attempt in the Ballston area Monday morning was foiled by the vehicle’s stick shift, police say.

The incident happened around 5:45 a.m. on Labor Day at the Harris Teeter parking lot on the 600 block of N. Glebe Road.

Three men carjacked a victim who was driving a Kia Soul, but did not get far as they apparently did not know how to operate the vehicle’s manual transmission, according to police and scanner traffic.

The Fairfax County police helicopter was called in to help search for the suspects but they were not found and remain at large.

More, below, from today’s Arlington County police crime report.

ATTEMPTED CARJACKING, 2023-09040047, 600 block of N. Glebe Road. At approximately 5:44 a.m. on September 4, police were dispatched to the report of a stolen vehicle. Upon arrival, it was determined the victim was exiting his parked vehicle when he was approached by three male suspects. The suspects instructed the victim to place his car keys on the hood of his car. The victim complied and walked away from the vehicle. The suspects fled the scene on foot after allegedly determining the vehicle was a manual transmission. Officers canvassed the area for the suspects yielding negative results. The suspects are described as white or Hispanic males, approximately 18-26 years old, wearing all black clothing. The investigation is ongoing.

Earlier Monday morning, police responded to an alleged incident involving an intoxicated suspect threatening a victim with a machete near Courthouse and Rocky Run Park.

From ACPD:

ATTEMPTED MALICIOUS WOUNDING, 2023-09040035, 2300 block of 11th Street N. At approximately 3:16 a.m. on September 4, police responded to the report of a possible mental health call for service. The preliminary investigation determined the male victim was outside a residential building when he observed the male suspect walk by holding a machete. A short time later, the suspect returned and initiated a conversation with the victim, during which he allegedly brandished the machete. The victim ran and the suspect chased after him while making threatening statements. The victim was able to get to a safe location and no injuries were reported. Responding officers located the suspect in the area with the machete and took him into custody without incident. [The suspect], 33, of Arlington, Va. was arrested and charged with Attempted Malicious Wounding, Brandishing and Public Intoxication. He was held without bond.

Also in today’s crime report, police said the gunfire near the Ballston Metro station over the weekend stemmed from a dispute between two people.

SHOT FIRED, 2023-09010239, N. Stuart Street at Fairfax Drive. At approximately 8:21 p.m. on September 1, police were dispatched to the report of a possible assault with a weapon. Upon arrival, it was determined the male victim and suspect became involved in a verbal dispute during which the suspect brandished and discharged a firearm. No injuries or property damage were reported.

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