Author: Bridget Reed Morawski

Four Mile Run Valley Draft Framework Available for Public Comment

By Bridget Reed Morawski
1/4

The draft framework for the proposed Four Mile Run Valley area is now open for public comment. 

The county is setting out to reshape the Four Mile Run Valley area — centered around the Shirlington and Nauck neighborhoods — while balancing the commercial, residential, historic, environmental and industrial needs of the community. This is the latest step in a process which began June 2016.

The plan includes the redevelopment of Jennie Dean Park, with the goal of maximizing the park’s open green space. It also includes the potential establishment of an arts district — with a clustering of studios, theaters and maker spaces — though the idea has received some criticism from groups that want more green space or playing fields.

Proposed park amenities include educational stream overlooks, improved access to the stream, and commissioned public art pieces or sculptures, per the framework.

Changes to the Shirlington Dog Park seem to be limited to minor changes to improve erosion and water quality issues. That follows a public outcry about a potential reduction of the dog park’s size.

Among environmental considerations, the document states that the “area’s history of [industrial] development suggests that there may be soil contamination in soil locations.” Further sections note that excrement from the dog park is another significant soil and water contaminant in the area. The need for “an eye toward environmental remediation, stormwater management, and stream protection” is cited in numerous sections of the draft.

Residents have until Friday, Feb. 16 to comment online. The plan is expected to be presented to the Arlington County Board this spring.

Columbia Pike ‘Premium Bus’ Service to Streamline Routes

By Bridget Reed Morawski
1/4

(Updated at 2:05 p.m.) Arlington County’s plan for a Columbia Pike corridor “premium bus service network” will start this summer, with more frequent, condensed bus service, improved bus transit stations, and off-vehicle fare collection points in the works.

A Columbia Pike service evaluation briefing from WMATA to the Arlington County Transit Advisory Committee on January 16 laid out the major bus service plan: streamlining eleven 16-line routes down to six main routes, with further streamlining implemented in multiple phases.

Current Columbia Pike corridor service routes include the 16A, B, E, J, and P daily lines and the 16 G, H, and K lines, which run from Columbia Heights West through Pentagon City daily. There are also three peak period bus lines: the 16L, which runs from Annandale, Va., to the Pentagon via Skyline City; the 16X, from Columbia Pike to Washington’s Federal Triangle; and the 16Y, from Columbia Pike to Washington’s Farragut Square.

The first phase of the premium bus service network would eliminate the 16E and J lines, while maintaining daily service for the 16A, G, H, and X. Peak period service will continue along the 16L and Y. The 16X’s extension into Federal Triangle would be maintained only during peak periods.

Phase two would maintain the initial phase’s route streamlining, while adding a transfer-free, bus-to-bus Crystal City connection. The evaluation notes the possibility for weekend service for the 26A bus line, which runs from Annandale to East Falls Church, but that component of the plan is still under consideration.

Further route streamlining would occur under phase three, which would maintain the daily 16A and X routes, as well as the peak period 16L and Y routes, but would strike out the 16G and H lines. A new line — a 16M line to run from Crystal City to Skyline City — would be added. Arlington Transit (ART) routes 41 and 45 would continue serving the Arlington Mill and Columbia Pike corridor after the 16G and H merge, according to Lynn Rivers, the Arlington transit bureau chief and the project’s manager.

Phase three opens up the possibility of an extension of the 16X and Y bus routes service hours, but it’s currently marked as a future consideration. The county is also reviewing transit signal prioritization as a bus rapid transit solution to give buses a head start at traffic lights, allowing for decreased public transit times. Rivers told ARLnow.com that this initiative “can be achieved with minimal impacts to vehicular travel.”

Updated bus transit stations are also in the works, with “near-level boarding” and real-time bus tracking and system information. Passengers would be able to pay for their bus fare prior to entering the bus.

Photos via Arlington County

Independent Auditor Seeks Suggestions of Things to Audit

By Bridget Reed Morawski

(Updated at 2:50 p.m.) Arlington County’s independent auditor is soliciting suggestions for potential government audits from residents.

Chris Horton, who has been in the job since Nov. 2016 after his predecessor, Jessica Tucker, decamped for California, wants residents to chime in with ideas for transparency, efficiency, and effectiveness measures that should be undertaken. The goal is to uncover suggested audit topics for his 2018 work plan that result in “a broad community impact, a significant financial impact or both.”

“Primarily, we want to find out if there are things that the members of the public, members of the community, are aware of that haven’t necessarily bubbled up to my level or to the board level,” said Horton, noting that having a formal, written process was preferred to individual phone calls.

The previous public call, under Tucker, resulted in approximately 81 submissions. Public comments can be submitted on the county website over the next 30 days, although it may be extended depending on feedback volume. There are no limitations on suggested topics, but anonymous submissions are not accepted and it is recommended that each submission only address one audit topic.

Rosslyn Nando’s Sets Opening Date

By Bridget Reed Morawski

(Updated at 6:30 p.m.) Rosslyn’s Central Place will soon be welcoming another restaurant option to the neighborhood.

Nando’s, a South-African/Portuguese chicken restaurant, is coming to 1800 N. Lynn Street. It is currently expected to open in March, we’re told.

There are already two Nando’s locations in Arlington: one at Pentagon Row and another a recently-opened Ballston location. The chain, originally from Johannesburg, South Africa, is most well-known for its peri-peri sauce, a chili-based, lemony sauce.

Nando’s is hiring 35 positions in both the front and back of the house, according to the location’s general manager, Jorge Lemus.

A number of restaurants opened last year as part of the Central Place development, including Little Beet, Sweetgreen and a new McDonald’s. Elsewhere in Rosslyn, Poke Bar and Bibimix are expected to open in the next few months.

Photo courtesy of Annathea Cook

Randolph Elementary PTA Holds Online Auction Fundraiser

By Bridget Reed Morawski

Randolph Elementary School’s PTA is hosting an online charity auction to support classroom and extracurricular programs, auctioning off local business deals, unique experiences and gift certificates today through Feb. 15.

There are over 200 auction items up for grabs, with prizes ranging from a veterinary check-up to an Annapolis sailboat ride valued at $500. One lucky bidder could even win a homemade baby back rib dinner for four at Arlington Public Schools board member Reid Goldstein’s home, for a minimum bid of $75.

Or perhaps you’d rather just relax at home and let Randolph Elementary principal Dr. Donna Synder and assistant principal Ms. Rebecca Irwin Kennedy take over the bedtime story routine one evening for a minimum bid of $15.

Holly Jeffreys, the Randolph Elementary PTA auction chair, says that all auction proceeds will fund field trips, classroom supplies, field day, and literacy programs like the Summer Mailbox book program. She noted that Randolph is a Title I school, a designation indicating “high percentages of children from low-income families,” according to the U.S. Department of Education.

Approximately 73.6% of students at Randolph qualify for free or reduced price meals, according to an October 2017 Arlington Public Schools report.

The auction has taken place in previous years. New this year, according to organizers, the auction website will accept credit card payments — via PayPal — from auction winners, in addition to checks.

File photo via Arlington Public Schools

UPDATE: The Clarendon Alliance Cancels Mardi Gras Ball, Jester Jaunt

By Bridget Reed Morawski
1/6

Update on 2/6/18: The Clarendon Alliance has issued an update to their plans. Citing “a large Mardi Gras ball with major sponsors” in Union Market and a Mardi Gras parade planned for the same time at Washington’s District Wharf development, the Mardi Gras Ball and the Jester Jaunt have been cancelled. The parade will still go on as scheduled.

“They’ve got marketing dollars and fireworks,” said Matt Hussman, The Clarendon Alliance’s executive director. “It’s a different market than it used to be. But I wish the Wharf and Union Market the best of luck [with their own Mardi Gras activities].”

According to Hussman, approximately 60% of previous years’ Mardi Gras Ball tickets were sold either the day before or day of the event. He cited the difficulty in prepaying for beer and food expenses without knowing the exact number of participants as a major consideration in the decision. Another factor was the quantity of ball attendees: Hussman noted that the vast majority of ball ticket holders were Batalá Washington performers or Louisiana State University alumni. Both groups, he said, would be parading at the Wharf instead of in Clarendon.

Currently there are approximately 20 registered parade floats or groups, and registration is still open for additional marchers. 

Earlier: Clarendon’s annual Mardi Gras procession of dressed-up dogs, cyclists, floats, and revelers is quickly approaching, and registration for several events has opened.

The festivities will kick off on Fat Tuesday, Feb. 13, at 7 p.m. on Wilson Boulevard at N. Barton Street, following along Wilson Boulevard before ending at by The Liberty Tavern at N. Irving Street.

Parade registration fees range from $50 for a nonprofit or community organization to $250 for a business outside of the Clarendon-Courthouse corridor. Revelers can also preorder a box of 720 beaded necklaces for $75.

Though few want it to rain on their parade, last year’s Mardi Gras procession went on despite the downpour.

The following street closures have been reported for the parade and fun run:

  • Wilson Boulevard, from Veitch Street to Barton Street, will be closed from 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
  • Adams Street and Wayne Street, between Clarendon Boulevard and Wilson Boulevard, will be closed from 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
  • Wilson Boulevard, from Barton Street to Irving Street, will be closed from 6:45 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Photos (as marked) courtesy of Jason Dixson Photography

Cassatt’s Café Updates Menu, Hires New Executive Chef

By Bridget Reed Morawski
1/3

Cassatt’s Café, the New Zealand bistro at 4536 Lee Highway, is rolling out a new dinner menu today.

The restaurant is introducing new dishes with ingredients and preparations from other parts of the globe, which will be offered in addition to the usual New Zealand classics. Behind the additions is a new executive chef, Evan Synder.

Synder has cooked at several local restaurants, including the French-Belgian restaurant Marcel’s in Washington, and Volt in Frederick, Md. The Le Cordon Bleu, Orlando, graduate most recently worked as the sous chef at Jose Andrés’ FISH at the MGM casino in Oxon Hill, Md., according to a press release.

“Dishes like Charred Cucumber with Mint, Dill Yogurt & Casovertrano Vin speak to Chef Snyder’s appreciation of Middle Eastern cuisine (specifically Israeli food) and personal love of bold flavors,” said the press release. Other new, less-than-Kiwi menu items include a $16 octopus shawarma dish and a $14 haloumi cheese plate.

The rollout of the new menu is happening on Waitangi Day, a significant New Zealand holiday celebrated annually on Feb. 6.

The restaurant, named after American impressionist painter Mary Cassatt, has been in business for 15 years. It is located in the Lee Heights Shops.

Photos courtesy Cassatt’s Cafe

Arlington Agenda: Feb. 5-11

By Bridget Reed Morawski

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, Feb. 6

Winemaker Dinner
Osteria da Nino Cucina Italiana (2900 S. Quincy Street)
Time: 6-10:30 p.m.

Enjoy a four-course meal paired with four Italian wines from the Piedmont-based Azelia winery. Hosted by winery owner Lorenzo Scavino and Robert W. Kennedy. Wine selection includes Dolcetto d’Alba Bricco del Oriolo 2015 and Barolo DOCG 2013.

Faith on Tap: Conversation on Racial Justice
O’Sullivan’s Irish Pub (3207 Washington Boulevard)
Time: 6-8 p.m.

A evening of conversation focusing on issues surrounding the intersections of racial justice and faith. Hosted by local Christian community Arlington Commons. Come mingle with participants at 6 p.m., discussion will begin at 6:30 p.m.

 Wednesday, Feb. 7

TSR Home Trivia Night
Keller Williams Realty at Courthouse (2101 Wilson Boulevard)
Time: 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Whether you are wondering which neighborhood is right for you or are questioning whether or not you can afford to buy a home, come talk with real estate professionals about the home buying process, and enjoy a complimentary dinner and drinks.

 Friday, Feb. 9

Music With A View
The Waterview Conference Center (1919 N. Lynn Street)
Time: 7:30 – 9 p.m.

The Arlington Philharmonic presents Music With a View, a collage concert where the audience will be surrounded by the ensemble. A cash bar and light hors d’oeuvres available. Linger after the concert for a conversation with the philharmonic’s performers.

Yorktown Theatre: Voices Out Of Chaos
Yorktown High School (5200 Yorktown Boulevard)
Time: 7 – 8:15 p.m.

A original play written by students from the theatre III/IV class, focusing on a young girl’s attempt to understand the daily news. Question and answer session will follow the free performance at the high school’s auditorium.

Steve Rannazzisi Live
Arlington Drafthouse (2903 Columbia Pike)
Time: 7:30 p.m.

Steve Rannazzisi, a big screen and television comedy actor whose credits include FX’s The League and Paul Blart: Mall Cop, brings the laughs over with four performances over two nights at the Arlington Drafthouse. Through Feb. 10.

 Saturday, Feb. 10

National Chamber Ensemble Valentine’s Day Violin Concert
Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington (4444 Arlington Boulevard)
Time: 7:30-9:30 p.m.

The National Chamber Ensemble’s 11th Valentine’s Day Violin Concert brings violinists Leo Sushansky and James Stern and pianist Kathryn Brake for a romantic evening of Mozart and more.

Arlington League of Women Voters: Redistricting Planning
Arlington Mill Community Center (909 S. Dinwiddle Street)
Time: 2 – 4 p.m.

The Arlington League of Women Voters and One Virginia 2021 discuss fair redistricting practices in Virginia and solicit volunteers for grassroots educational work. Free admission, but advance notice of attendance is requested.

 Sunday, Feb. 11

Giant Used Book Fair
Saint Ann Church (5300 10th Street N.)
Time: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Hundreds of books for sale, from religious and history titles to travel, DIY, and teen novels. A Valentine’s Day-themed bake sale and free coffee will be on site.

Chocolate & Wine: The Perfect Pair
Twisted Vines Bistro & Bottleshop (2803 Columbia Pike)
Time: 5 – 9 p.m.

An evening of chocolate and wine tasting, with eight different, chocolates curated by Kingsbury Chocolates available to try. Wines and chocolates will be available for purchase, and the bistro will be open after the tasting for a late dinner.

Love The Run You’re With 5K
Pentagon City Mall (1100 S. Hayes Street)
Time: 9  – 11 a.m.

Come for a run or cheer on your loved ones in this Sunday morning 5K. Coordinate your clothing to signal whether you’re a single runner, on a couples team, or somewhere in-between.

Rosslyn BID Previews Central Place Observation Deck

By Bridget Reed Morawski
1/3

It’s not slated to open until this summer, but we’re getting some of the first views of Rosslyn’s new observation deck.

The Rosslyn Business Improvement District’s urban design committee previewed the new views from Central Place’s upcoming observation deck with several photos. Visitors will be able to see much of the Georgetown waterfront, the Washington Monument, the U.S. Capitol building and more.

Slated to open late summer 2018, the 12,000 square foot deck is expected to be a marquee feature of the Rosslyn neighborhood, drawing considerable tourist traffic. It will be run by Legends Hospitality LLC, a management consulting company that currently operates New York City’s One World Observatory and Los Angeles’ Angel Stadium.

A Rosslyn BID press release touted a bar which will serve light food options and undetermined “other components.” Updated photos of the deck’s indoor space weren’t released alongside the outdoor views.

Photos via Rosslyn BID.