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TRAFFIC ALERT: Wilson Blvd Closed in Ballston Due to Crash

By ARLnow.com

Published February 2, 2016 at 5:05PM

Update at 5:15 p.m. — The road has reopened with lane closures.

Wilson Blvd is temporarily closed between N. Oakland and Pollard streets in the Ballston area due to a vehicle crash.

The two-vehicle, T-bone collision happened just after 4:30 p.m. No serious injuries were reported, though an ambulance did respond to the scene.

It’s unclear what led to the collision, which occurred mid-block.

‘Purple Ethiopian Restaurant & Lounge’ Coming to 3111 Columbia Pike

By ARLnow.com

Published February 2, 2016 at 4:25PM

The name of the restaurant at 3111 Columbia Pike will be changing once again.

“Purple Ethiopian Restaurant & Lounge” will be opening at the location, according to a recent ABC license application. It’s the latest in a procession of eateries that double as nightlife spots to occupy the two-level restaurant space at 3111 Columbia Pike.

In the past, neighbors have been critical of excessive noise and crime at the location, which has at times hosted nighttime events. It didn’t help that a manager of Pines of Italy, one of the former establishments, apparently called Arlington County Board members “c-cksuckers” after a vote to revoke the restaurant’s live entertainment permit in 2014.

No word yet on when Purple might be opening.

TRAFFIC ALERT: Water Main Break Closes Wilson Blvd for Evening Rush

By ARLnow.com

Published February 2, 2016 at 3:25PM

Wilson Blvd is closed between Rosslyn and Courthouse due to a water main break.

The closure is between N. Quinn and Rhodes streets, in front of the Colonial Village Shopping Center. Traffic is being diverted onto N. Quinn Street.

As of 3:15 p.m., water was still flowing from 2-3 areas where the roadway had buckled and cracked from the pressure of the burst water main.

The closure is expected to remain in effect throughout the evening rush hour, according to Arlington County. Drivers are being encouraged to seek alternate routes.

Richmond Market & Deli Closed in Ballston

By ARLnow.com

Published February 2, 2016 at 1:55PM | Updated February 2, 2016 at 3:20PM

(Updated at 3:20 p.m.) A long-time convenience store and deli has closed in Ballston.

Richmond Market & Deli, on 9th Street N. between N. Randolph and Stafford Streets, apparently shut down last month. A sign in the window says “business closed down… enquiries welcome.”

It’s unclear why the store closed nor what will replace it.

Photos courtesy Bill Colton

#Ballston

New GOP Congressional Hopeful: An International Environmental Consultant

By ARLnow.com

Published February 2, 2016 at 11:20AM | Updated February 2, 2016 at 11:49AM

Another Republican challenger to Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.) has emerged: an international environmental consultant who favors a strong national defense and “keeping the door open” to legal immigrants.

Arlington resident Charles Hernick kicked off his candidacy at last week’s Arlington County Republican Committee meeting.

While Hernick supports limited government, free markets, gun rights and a strong military — to “strengthen diplomatic efforts and keep our country safe” — he doesn’t sound much like his party’s presidential candidates, who often speak against regulation and the EPA, when describing his career.

“I’ve worked at the crossroads of economic development and environment for my entire career,” Hernick says on his website. “I understand the complexities and cost of government regulation, but I also understand the benefit that well-designed policies and programs — supportive of free markets — can bring.”

“I’ve worked with the private sector and state governments across the United States to keep our waters drinkable and swimmable while the economy grows,” Hernick continues. “I’ve worked with Muslim business owners in Africa whose livelihoods are under threat from religious extremists. I’ve seen the effects of intolerance, poverty, violence, and terrorism. I know that it takes a willingness to listen and take decisive action to keep peace.”

On the issue of immigration, Hernick writes: “Our approach to immigration should be balanced; we need to prevent illegal entry, while keeping the door open to migrants who believe in the American Dream.”

Hernick, who has yet to send a press release — at least to ARLnow.com — is a contrast compared to his GOP rival, Mike Webb, who is also seeking the party’s nomination for Virginia’s Eighth Congressional District. Webb has emailed 37 lengthy press releases to media outlets since Dec. 22.

The Republican nominee will be chosen at a party convention on May 7. The nominee is expected to face Beyer, who would be seeking his second term, in the fall.

Morning Poll: Grade Arlington’s Snow Removal Effort

By ARLnow.com

Published February 2, 2016 at 10:20AM

The blizzard of 2016 is long gone, but reminders of it are still piled high on the side of local roads and parking lots.

Life has largely returned to normal — students went back to school today for the first time since Wednesday, Jan. 20 — though there are scattered reports of continued mail delivery issues.

It was a Herculean task to clear two feet of snow from local roads. Though major arteries were plowed and made passable pretty quickly, as usually happens with large snow storms in Arlington the residential streets remained snow-covered and treacherous for days, prompting complaints.

Overall, how would you grade Arlington’s snow removal effort?

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Published February 2, 2016 at 9:20AM | Updated February 2, 2016 at 9:43AM

Expect Early Spring, Says Groundhogs — Updated at 9:40 a.m. — Punxsutawney Phil and Potomac Phil both did not see their shadow this morning and thus have predicted an early spring. Unfortunately, the former Phil is wrong more often than he is right. [CNN, Borderstan]

New County Manager Inks Contract — The Arlington County Board last week ratified a contract with Mark Schwartz, the county’s newly-appointed county manager. (Schwartz served as interim county manager for six months before his appointment.) Under the contract, Schwartz will earn $245,000 in his first year, which is less than the $270,000 annual salary of his predecessor and former boss, Barbara Donnellan. [InsideNova]

WeWork Now Open in Crystal City — The WeWork co-working space in Crystal City officially opened yesterday. The office space is decorated with plush couches, hardwood floors and oversized light fixtures, among other design elements. [Twitter]

Online Plan Review System Up and Running — Arlington County launched its Electronic Plan Review system yesterday, allowing plans for building permits and land use to be submitted, reviewed and approved online. The system is expected to save time and money compared to the previous, in-person submissions, though those submitting plans still have to go to the county offices to pay the permit fees in person. [Arlington County]

Praise for Texas Jack’s — A food critic finds a lot to like at Texas Jack’s, the new barbecue restaurant in the former EatBar space in Lyon Park. Writes Tim Carman: “[Chef Matt Lang’s] moist brisket is A-lister stuff, thick, succulent slices with a pink smoke ring lingering just below a dark outer bark of salt, pepper, smoke and fat, all fused together in a Southern Pride smoker set low and slow.” [Washington Post]

Photo via Twitter/Scott Kelly

New Rosslyn Condo Project Approved

By ARLnow.com

Published February 1, 2016 at 4:55PM

Rendering of new 1411 Key Blvd development

Sign on the door of the Metro Rosslyn Apartments

An aging low-rise apartment complex in Rosslyn will be replaced with a new condominium development.

The Arlington County Board on Thursday approved the condo project from Reston-based developer NVR, Inc., the parent company of homebuilder Ryan Homes. The Board approved NVR’s plan for a six-story building with a total of 63 units, which will replace a four-story, 33-unit apartment complex built in 1955, along with a two story house.

The new building, at the corner of Key Blvd and N. Nash Street, is across from a planned — but stalled — redevelopment that was to include a 28-story residential building and ground floor grocery store.

“Washington Vista,” as the condo development is referred to in public documents, will include four affordable two-bedroom units that will be offered to qualified moderate-income buyers. Other community benefits include a contribution of more than $100,000 to Arlington’s Affordable Housing Investment Fund and $75,000 worth of public art.

Residents of the Metro Rosslyn apartment building, which is being torn down to make way for the condos, initially complained that the developer had not offered relocation assistance after notices to vacate were posted on the property. A relocation plan was subsequently approved by Arlington’s Tenant-Landlord Commission on Dec. 16.

After the jump: the county press release about the development’s approval.

(more…)

Arlington Agenda: Feb. 1-7

By ARLnow.com

Published February 1, 2016 at 3:50PM

Arlington Agenda is a listing of interesting events for the week ahead in Arlington County. If you’d like to see your event featured, fill out the event submission form.

Also, be sure to check out our event calendar.

Tuesday

Saint Ann Catholic School Open House*
Saint Ann Catholic School (980 N. Frederick Street)
Time: 9:30-11:30 a.m.

Saint Ann will be hosting an open house for prospective families. Families interested in applying for the 2016-17 school year are invited to take a personal tour of the school and to learn more about the admissions process.

“Groundhog Day” Movie Fest
Aurora Hills Branch Library (735 18th Street S.)
Time: 1-9 p.m.

Beginning at 1 p.m. when the branch opens, until 9 p.m. when it closes, catch the 1993 classic “Groundhog Day” over and over again. Refreshments served from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Back to Stratford: Honoring Those Who Fought for School Integration
Stratford Auditorium (4100 N. Vacation Lane)
Time: 6 p.m.

Arlington County will honor the four African American students who integrated Stratford Junior High School as seventh-graders on Feb. 2, 1959. The four are expected to participate in a panel discussion, along with educators and civic activists.

Thursday

Opening Night: ‘How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying’*
Washington-Lee High School Theatre (1301 N. Stafford Street)
Time: 7-9 p.m.

Washington-Lee High School presents the musical “How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying” from Feb. 4-6. Show times are 7 p.m. each night with a Saturday matinee at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door.

Friday

POPS: Plan Our Places and Spaces
Courthouse Plaza (2100 Clarendon Blvd)
Time: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

An open house for Arlington residents to provide input on and ask questions about the changing needs for parks, recreation, and natural resources. A chat with the Parks Dept. director will be held from 10-11 a.m.

Live Comedy: Greg Fitzsimmons
Arlington Cinema Drafthouse (2903 Columbia Pike)
Time: 10 p.m.

Howard Stern Show and Comedy Central regular Greg Fitzsimmons will preform live standup comedy at the Drafthouse this weekend. Two additional shows will be held at 7 and 10 p.m. Saturday night.

Saturday

Ice Cream for Breakfast Day
Toby’s Homemade Ice Cream & Coffee (5849-A Washington Blvd)
Time: 9-11 a.m.

Indulge in National Ice Cream for Breakfast Day and a portion of the proceeds will go to Let’s Help Kids, a 501(c)3 non-profit that works to meet non-basic needs of children from K-6th grade.

Sunday

St. Ann Annual Giant Used Book Sale*
St. Ann Church, Parish Hall (5300 10th Street N.)
Time: 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

Call it the Super Bowl of local used book sales — there is something for every reader at St. Ann’s annual giant used book sale. There will also be a Valentine’s Day-themed bake sale and free coffee all day.

*Denotes featured (sponsored) content

#Arlington Agenda

Police: Middle-Aged Man With Pony Tail, Redskins Cap Exposed Himself Near Ballston Metro

By ARLnow.com

Published February 1, 2016 at 3:05PM

A middle-aged man with “long white hair in a ponytail” exposed himself to a woman near the Ballston Metro station around 8:40 p.m. on Friday.

Police say the man was urinating in public on the 4200 block of N. Fairfax Drive when he exposed himself to a woman who was walking by.

From a police crime report:

INDECENT EXPOSURE, 160129020, 4200 block of N. Fairfax Drive. At approximately 8:40 p.m. on January 29, an unknown male subject was seen urinating in public and then exposed his genitals to a female victim. The subject is described as a white male in his 50’s-60’s, with long white hair in a ponytail. He was wearing a Washington Redskins baseball cap, blue quilted vest, white undershirt, and blue jeans.

Closing Date Set for Public Shoe Store in Clarendon, To Be Replaced By 7-Eleven

By ARLnow.com

Published February 1, 2016 at 12:00PM

Public Shoe Store in Clarendon, which first opened its doors in 1938, will close after Saturday, Feb. 27 to make way for a new 7-Eleven store, according to the daughter of store owner S.H. “Doc” Friedman.

“We’ll have an open house from noon to 6 that afternoon to say goodbye to our friends and customers and to give them a chance to say ‘happy retirement’ to Doc,” Karen Friedman Widmayer tells ARLnow.com.

The store was originally slated to close last summer, but lease negotiations and planning stretched longer than expected. After Public Shoe Store closes, a new 7-Eleven store will move in following some interior construction and exterior changes. Friedman, 82, is retiring from the shoe business but is leasing the space at 3137 Wilson Blvd to the convenience store.

Widmayer described the lease as “long term,” but declined to provide other details. She said the space would have been challenging for a restaurant and 7-Eleven was “very accommodating” and “terrific to work with.” The store is planning a “fitting” art deco-style sign, she said.

Public Shoe Store reopened over the weekend after closing due to the blizzard. The store is still “stocked with comfort and orthopedic shoes and sandals plus lots of good sale shoes,” Widmayer noted. Customers and well-wishers are both welcome to stop by between now and the 27th, she said.