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.

UPDATED: ACFD Evacuate Building Near Virginia Square Metro for Fire Alarm

By ARLnow.com
1/5

Updated 10:50 p.m. — The fire alarm has stopped and residents are returning to the building.

First responders are on the scene at 3601 Fairfax Drive where dozens of residents have been evacuated from Latitude Apartments after reports of a fire.

Residents on multiple floors of the building reported seeing and smelling smoke coming out of the building.

Nate and Kelli, two residents of the building, said the alarm went off around 10 p.m. They were on the roof when the alarm went off and they could smell smoke.

As of 10:30 p.m. firefighters were still working through the building.

Airey and Vernon Miles contributed to this story

ARLnow Weekend Discussion

By ARLnow.com

A cloudy and then rainy weekend is on tap — but with any luck the rain will hold off until the Nationals win the World Series in four. (Crosses fingers.)

In case you didn’t see it, earlier today we listed some places to cheer on the Nats in Arlington, along with specials being offered during the game.

While you gear up for Game 3, here are the most-read stories so far this week.

  1. Woman Struck By Vehicle in Ballston
  2. Police Called on Wild Press Conference in Rosslyn
  3. World of Beer Appears to Be Coming to Ballston
  4. Marine Corps Marathon Will Prompt Ample Road Closures This Weekend
  5. Arlington Crossing Guard Surprised With World Series Tickets
  6. Proposed Ballston Hotel To Include Locally-Run Bars, a Jacuzzi, and a Light Display
  7. Arlington Bars and Restaurant Hosting Specials For World Series Games
  8. Indoor Swim School SwimBox Is Coming To Lee Highway
  9. New Poke Restaurant Coming to Ballston Quarter

Feel free to discuss these stories or any other topics of local interest in the comments. Have a nice weekend!

Photo courtesy Sandra P.

A New Slate of Opinion Columns is Debuting Next Week

By ARLnow.com

ARLnow’s mission is to connect and improve our local community — residents, workers, local businesses, nonprofits and government — via high quality, original journalism and photography.

In addition to our own reporting, we seek to fulfil our mission via contributions from community members. As part of that, we’re debuting a new slate of opinion columns, focused on specific local topics, starting Monday. These columns will alternate every other week with our existing columns: Progressive Voice, The Right Note, Peter’s Take, and What’s Next With Nicole.

Here’s the slate:

Mondays: Making Room by Jane Green, covering housing-related issues in Arlington. Jane is a proud renter in Pentagon City who by day works for Greater Greater Washington and by night tries to navigate the complexities of the Arlington Way.

Tuesdays: Community Matters by Krysta Jones, discussing community engagement and inclusivity in Arlington. Krysta has lived in Arlington since 2004 and is active in local politics and civic life. She has also previously written for the Progressive Voice column on ARLnow.

Wednesdays: Modern Mobility by Chris Slatt, examining transportation and transit matters in the county. Chris is the current Chair of the Arlington County Transportation Commission, Founder of Sustainable Mobility for Arlington County and a former civic association president.

Thursdays: The Hurtt Locker by Matthew Hurtt, which will shine a light on issues related to local government transparency and fiscal responsibility. Matthew is a 10-year Arlington resident, a member of the Arlington Heights Civic Association and was previously the chairman of the Arlington Falls Church Young Republicans.

Fridays: Ed Talks by Abby Raphael and Maura McMahon, tracking education-related issues in Arlington. Abby served on the Arlington School Board from 2008-2015, including two terms as Chair, among other local leadership roles. Maura is a mother of two who currently serves as president of the Arlington County Council of PTAs.

It should be noted that for all of our columnists, they are uncompensated and the local perspectives they bring are their own and not their employer’s. Our columnists commit their time to bring the Arlington community new ideas, to highlight important local issues, and to start community conversations.

Please join us in welcoming them!

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

New Noise Enforcement Tools — “Arlington government officials have added new tools in an effort to address nighttime noise violations from restaurants and bars. The new policy is designed to target ‘the ones who consistently refuse to comply’ in resolving noise complaints, County Attorney Stephen MacIsaac told County Board members on Oct. 22.” [InsideNova]

Beyer on Aircraft Noise — “Today, Rep. Don Beyer (VA-08) sent a letter to the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration expressing concerns about its recent announcement to make changes to flight paths at DCA to accommodate Secret Service needs without giving meaningful consideration to community interests.” [Press Release]

Video: Amazon Truck Towed in Crystal City — “Can’t say we didn’t warn you… controversial Advanced Towing removes an @amazon truck from ‘National Landing.'” [Twitter]

Housing Supply Down, Prices Up — “The Arlington County, Virginia, housing market continues to get more expensive, and potential buyers continue to have fewer and fewer houses and condos to consider.” [WTOP]

What Goes Into an Arlington Nat’l Cemetery Burial — “If you live near Arlington, you may be familiar with the sound of cannon fire early in the morning. The Presidential Salute Battery fires cannons for military ceremonies in Washington and is the only unit of its kind in the Army. ” [WAMU]

Nearby: Nats World Series Scam — Per Fairfax County Police: “Our Detectives are investigating an increasing number of scams involving the sale of @Nationals World Series tickets. Please use caution when purchasing tickets from sources other than @MLB authorized dealers.” [Twitter, FCPD]

Courtesy photo

Thank You VIDA Fitness for Supporting Local News in Arlington

By ARLnow.com

ARLnow is a free resource for the entire community thanks to the support of our advertisers.

Our site is free of paywalls and popups because we have high-quality local businesses and organizations that advertise on ARLnow. All we ask is for a bit of your time and attention to consider what they’re offering.

Today we’re toasting VIDA Fitness, the D.C.-native health and wellness club, which is opening its newest location at 4040 Wilson Boulevard in Ballston early next year.

Here are some reasons we think they’re the GOAT:

  • It’s really nice. I mean, have you been in one of the D.C. clubs?
  • It’s a welcoming place for everyone and anyone
  • There’s a spa and a smoothie-and-bowl bar, too
  • Customized personal and partner training with top notch trainers
  • Nutritional counseling with registered dietitians
  • “The reason I like VIDA is that it is well-run and people are friendly. Each time I’ve approached the management, they were extremely helpful, effective and attended to me immediately” — testimonial from Justin
  • They help ARLnow hire professional, full-time local news reporters and bring you the local happenings week in and week out

Please join us in thanking VIDA Fitness by starting a new habit. You can also contact them at [email protected] or to contact a specific gym visit vidafitness.com.

— The ARLnow business team

We, The Pizza to Open Next Week

By ARLnow.com
1/3

It’s official: We, The Pizza says it will open its new Ballston location next week.

The restaurant at 4201 Wilson Blvd, in the Ballston Exchange complex, is expected to open on Wednesday, Oct. 30. In addition to the usual pizza selection, the restaurant will be introducing four flavors of gelato shakes, including Hazelnut Nutella and Stracciatella

The nearly 2,000 square foot space, which should draw a large lunchtime crowd from nearby offices, sits 50.

More from a press release:

We, The Pizza opens October 30th, 2019 at Jamestown’s Ballston Exchange by Nour Sharkas, the latest franchisee to expand a concept by The Sunnyside Restaurant Group. We, The Pizza offers 17 pies by the slice, 12 homemade sodas, chef-made wings and Italian gelato shakes.

Mr. Sharkas began his career by managing Good Stuff Eatery and later working in We, The Pizza in Crystal City, VA. “I am excited to bring this fantastic concept to a great area such as Ballston,” said Mr. Sharkas. “We wanted to create a dynamic space in this community for people to enjoy the great food we serve in a fun, hip, casual atmosphere. We’re also offering delivery at this location.”

We, The Pizza is introducing four flavors of gelato shakes: Hazelnut Nutella, Cherry Amaretto, Tiramisu and Stracciatella. In addition, there will be some new pies: Spicy Sicilian, eggplant, spicy salami, fresh tomato sauce; Margharita Burrata, Vegan Veg Sicilian, Ace & Wes Cowboy Pie, pepperoni and sausage and a Ultimate Cheese.

We, The Pizza’s fourth location is opening at 4201 Wilson Boulevard and occupying a 1,894-square foot space. Seating capacity is 50.

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Renegade Opening Today — “The Renegade, the new two-story coffee shop, restaurant, and live music venue from chef Patrick Crump is opening this Thursday, Oct. 24 at 3100 Clarendon Blvd. in Arlington.” [Press Release]

Hoskins Questions Amazon’s Arlington Location — “[Fairfax County Economic Development Authority CEO Victor] Hoskins helped land corporate giant Amazon for Arlington, but now says the company probably should have located in Fairfax County, with its larger, more diverse, pro-business environment. The county’s 120 million-square-foot office market is three times larger than Arlington’s, he noted.” [InsideNova]

ACFD Collects Supplies for Shelters — “More than 1600 pounds of supplies for shelter animals have been collected by Arlington County firefighters in the past four years in what has been dubbed ‘Operation Firepaws,’ with the donations going to the Animal Welfare League of Arlington.” [WJLA]

Nats Rally at Long Branch ES on TV — “The students and teachers at Long Branch Elementary School in Arlington, Virginia [were] showing off their Natitude” during a rally on Wednesday. The Nats won big last night, by the way. [Fox 5]

Century-Old Sentinel Gets Big Welcome at DCA — “This morning we welcomed Jack, the oldest living retired Sentinel at 100 years young, on a special trip to DC to see his name posted on a plaque of the Wall of Honor in the barracks. Jack danced his way off the flight and into everyone’s hearts.” [Twitter, CBS News]

JUST IN: Woman Struck By Vehicle in Ballston

By ARLnow.com
1/6

(Updated at 6:50 p.m.) A woman was struck by a vehicle on N. Glebe Road in Ballston during the Wednesday evening rush hour.

The crash happened around 5 p.m., at the intersection of Glebe and 11th Street N.

Witnesses told ARLnow that the woman was struck by the driver of a pickup truck, who may have run a red light, though that account and other details could not be immediately confirmed.

The woman was conscious and breathing but bleeding from the head, according to scanner traffic. A Fairfax County ambulance crew that happened to be driving by was the first on scene to start rendering aid.

“The pedestrian, an adult female, was transported to an area hospital with injuries that are considered non-life threatening,” said Arlington County Police spokeswoman Ashley Savage.

Police tell ARLnow that the driver remained on scene and the investigation into the crash is continuing. So far there’s no word of any charges being filed.

Arlington Pet of the Week: Phil

By ARLnow.com
1/4

Arlington’s newest Pet of the Week is Phil, a one-eyed “pirate kitten”.

Here is what Phil’s owner has to say about his life here in Arlington:

Phil is our little one-eyed “pirate kitten” who we adopted through CityKitties DC, a wonderful local organization that rescues pets from overcrowded shelters in surrounding states and brings them to the DC area to find loving forever homes.

Phil is from Roane County, WV and lost his eye due to an infection he had when he was rescued. He camped in the District for a bit with a CityKitties foster mom who took great care of him until he got matched with us. He still had a few issues when we brought him home, but the wonderful folks at Arlington’s very own NoVA Cat Clinic helped us get him all fixed up. Arlington cat owners – Phil cannot recommend them enough!

Now that he’s back in good health, he loves running “Phil-speed” around our condo and wrestling with his big brother, Rudi. He has a big sister too, but she’s a pretty reserved gal, so he’s still working on charming his way over to her good side. He loves playing with tinsel balls, his cat tunnel, and anything dangly, but can also be counted on to provide plenty of snuggles and purrs on your chest when you’re relaxing on the couch or home sick from work. He also has some pretty neat “tuxedo” markings that include a little black goatee, a perfect wishbone design on his belly, and a little white smudge that grew in over the scar from his eye surgery.

Famed fashion designer Marc Jacobs said; “I always find beauty in things that are odd and imperfect – they are much more interesting.” That’s exactly how we feel about Phil.

Want your pet to be considered for the Arlington Pet of the Week? Email [email protected] with a 2-3 paragraph bio and at least 3-4 horizontally-oriented photos of your pet. Please don’t send vertical photos, they don’t fit in our photo galleries!

Each week’s winner receives a sample of dog or cat treats from our sponsor, Becky’s Pet Care, along with $100 in Becky’s Bucks. Becky’s Pet Care is the winner of eight consecutive Angie’s List Super Service Awards, the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters’ 2013 Business of the Year and a proud supporter of the Arlington County Pawsitively Prepared Campaign.

Becky’s Pet Care provides professional dog walking and pet sitting in Arlington and all of Northern Virginia, as well as PetPrep training courses for Pet Care, CPR and emergency preparedness.

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com
1/5

Another School Boundary Process Coming — “It might go well, or it might be the civic-engagement equivalent of a bloodbath. But either way, Arlington school leaders are about to embark on a new round of rejiggering elementary-school boundaries.” [InsideNova]

Fire Station 8 Contract Approved — “The Arlington County Board today approved a $16.1 million construction contract and a concept design for a new, energy-efficient, four-bay station to replace the obsolete Fire Station No. 8 at 4845 Lee Highway. The new fire station will better serve the community while honoring Fire Station No. 8’s long history.” [Arlington County]

Local Man Pleads Guilty to Campaign Finance Violations — “An Arlington political consultant who served as the treasurer of multiple Political Action Committees (PACs) pleaded guilty today to lying to the Federal Election Commission (FEC) about approximately $32,500 in payments of PAC money that he directed to himself and a close friend.” [Press Release]

Run With a Running Legend Friday — Updated at 2:45 p.m. — “Kathrine Switzer, who in 1967 became the first woman to officially run the Boston Marathon – wearing bib number 261 – and is the founder of the global non-profit 261 Fearless, will be in Arlington this Friday to run with the 261 Fearless Club DC Metro/VA. The short, easy run will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington. It is free and open to the public; all are invited.” [Press Release]

ACPD Celebrates Accreditation — “The Arlington County Police Department has received its Initial Accreditation from the Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standards Commission (VLEPSC). The announcement comes following an intensive on-site assessment, which took place in April 2019.” [Arlington County]

Notable Local Candidate Endorsements — The website Greater Greater Washington has endorsed a number of Arlington candidates, including Del. Alfonso Lopez for the 49th House of Delegates district, Christian Dorsey and Katie Cristol for County Board, and Parisa Dehghani-Tafti for Commonwealth’s Attorney. Additionally, Cristol has endorsed Dehghani-Tafti. [Greater Greater Washington, Twitter]

Photos by Verónica Colón/Twitter, Sandra P., Bill Colton, Arlington County Fire Department/Twitter, and Susan C.

New National Landing Booster Group Forms

By ARLnow.com

A group of large local employers and small local businesses has formed a new group intended “to support National Landing’s transformation.”

The Arlington Community Coalition says the arrival of Amazon’s HQ2 is a golden opportunity to bolster housing and transportation options in the National Landing area, which includes Crystal City, Pentagon City and Potomac Yard. The group also wants to build a sense of community and support local businesses as the area grows.

“After seeing years of decline from BRAC, National Landing will significantly help small businesses attract a steady stream of new and regular customers,” said Freddie’s Beach Bar owner Freddie Lutz, one of the coalition’s members. “National Landing will become an economic engine driving new growth and opportunities for small business retail and restaurants.”

Members of coalition include the Consumer Technology Association — outspoken supporters of Amazon’s arrival — along with Amazon’s National Landing landlord, JBG Smith, and Virginia Tech, which is developing an Innovation Campus in Potomac Yard. Other members include Lyft, Freddie’s, Commonwealth Joe and Mothersauce Partners.

The group believes that Amazon-fueled growth will foster a “collaborative ecosystem for education, innovation, and entrepreneurship” that will help “further establish Northern Virginia as the next great technology hub.”

Countering the anti-Amazon sentiment that made headlines prior to Arlington’s approval of millions in local incentives for the retail and tech giant, the new coalition says the community will benefit from the area’s growth, and not just because of Amazon.

“From housing to transportation, education to entertainment, National Landing will be not only a global technology hub but a vibrant community for all of us who live, work, and visit here,” said Glenda MacMullin, Chief Operating Officer and CFO, Consumer Technology Association.

The full press release from the Arlington Community Coalition is below, after the jump.

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