Author: Jennifer Currier

ARLnow Weekend Discussion

By Jennifer Currier

Construction on Central Place tower in Rosslyn

Happy New Year, Arlington!

The first full week of 2016 proved to be a busy one, from robberies — of both banks and pizzas — to the story of a good Samaritan helping an Arlingtonian in need get home, and everything in between.

Looking back at the stories from this week, one common theme seemed to arise — change.

So far, this change has come to the county in a few different forms.

First, the County Board unanimously chose Libby Garvey as its new chair. There is the long-standing tradition that the Board member up for reelection serve as chair — and Garvey announced her reelection campaign yesterday — so the selection wasn’t much of a surprise. Still, she promised reform in areas including county government customer service and civic participation in government.

There’s also been quite a bit of action with Arlington businesses.

District Taco is now open in Rosslyn, Ballston is getting a Total Wine & More and New District Brewing Co. is opening near Shirlington this weekend. At the same time, long-time Arlington business CD Cellar is moving from Clarendon to Falls Church and the beloved Knightsbridge Trading Co. is also closing its doors in Clarendon.

With a new year often comes a new sense of opportunity, whether its for individuals, organizations, neighborhoods, businesses or families to inspire change, for better or for worse. While it’s obviously way too soon to tell what 2016 will bring for the county, one constant in Arlington is change.

What changes would you like to see in 2016? What opportunities do you hope to capitalize on this year, or hope local or state government will?

As always, feel free to discuss these or any other topic of local interest in the comments.

Park Lane Tavern to Open in Clarendon Next Month

By Jennifer Currier
1/5

After originally planning to open last summer, European-style bar and restaurant Park Lane Tavern is set to open in Clarendon early next month.

The tavern — located at 1200 N. Irving Street in the Beacon at Clarendon apartment building — will open at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 2, according to general manager Jim Simmons.

Simmons described the menu as “chef-driven comfort food,” or higher quality versions of the dishes people crave on a regular basis.

“We’re creating an elegant environment to complement the food, but not in a stuffy way,” he said. “We want people to come in casually for a welcoming, glorious atmosphere with comfortable furniture to socialize and enjoy themselves.”

The entrée menu features a variety of dishes, from shepherd’s pie to jägerschnitzel to pizza. The restaurant also has a “Beverage Bible,” which Simmons said includes high-end scotches, bourbons and imported draft beers.

Simmons said work on the space is almost complete as his team is making final adjustments to the dining room, which will feature décor imported from Europe. The establishment is also in the hiring process — as advertised on its Facebook page — with training scheduled to begin on Monday.

The Clarendon Park Lane Tavern is on the same block as Jimmy John’s and O’Sullivan’s Irish Pub. It’s also the restaurant’s third location — all three are in Virginia.

Park Lane Tavern will be initially open from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. with slightly adjusted hours on the weekend, to be determined.

Arlington Drafthouse Starts 2016 with Big-Name Comedy Lineup

By Jennifer Currier

2014 Tom Arnold Headshot by Gremly MediaThe Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse is starting off 2016 with a series of big-name comics scheduled to perform there live.

From the new “Daily Show” host Trevor Noah to actor and writer Michael Ian Black — who both performed last year — well-known comedic talent is not new for the Drafthouse.

However, the lineup for early 2016 is looking similarly impressive.

It includes writer, producer and actor Tom Arnold, who’s scheduled to perform four shows during the second weekend of April. He’s most recently known for hosting CMT’s “My Big Redneck” show franchise. Arnold as also appeared alongside Robin Williams, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Dustin Hoffman in films including “Nine Months,” “True Lies” and “Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery.”

Other notable comedians — all of whom have appeared on Comedy Central — coming to the Drafthouse over the news few months are:

  • Greg Fitzsimmons from “The Howard Stern Show” and “Louie” — Feb. 5-6
  • Sarah Tiana from “Reno 911!” — Feb. 19-20
  • Tone Bell from “Bad Judge” and “Whitney” — March 11-12
  • Carlos Mencia from “The Heartbreak Kid” and “Mind of Mencia” — March 31-April 2
  • Nick Di Paolo from “The Chris Rock Show” (writer) and “The Sopranos” — April 29-30

Tickets for all the comedy shows are now available online.

SNL cast member Pete Davidson is performing at the Drafthouse this weekend, but tickets are sold out.

Plans for Shirlington Crescent Revitalization Could Solidify in 2016

By Jennifer Currier

Shirlington Crescent- Four Mile Run Study area (Via Arlington County)

Arlington County has pledged to start an extensive community planning effort in 2016 for the area known as Shirlington Crescent, a process with the goal of bringing major economic, environmental and cultural changes to the area.

Plans for revitalizing and possibly redeveloping parts of Nauck and the Four Mile Run corridor began with a study conducted in 2014. This study outlined approximately 95 acres along Four Mile Run Drive and Shirlington Road for the community planning process to focus on.

The goal for this planning effort is to “develop a vision and area plan which could re-evaluate land use goals and objectives.” To do this, the County will consider various aspects of the existing Crescent and how to improve or change them, including:

  • economic development
  • environmental sustainability
  • relationships to neighboring areas
  • open space
  • transportation
  • affordable housing
  • connectivity
  • urban design
  • previous planning work
  • cultural resources
  • historic preservation

In a letter sent to ARLnow over the summer — which also appeared on InsideNoVa — Nauck resident Robin Stombler shared her thoughts on the need for change.

“A swath of South Four Mile Run and Shirlington Road has been neglected for too long,” she wrote. “Our Nauck neighborhood is often the location for industrial activities and unused vehicle storage. While much of the industry is welcomed, the Shirlington Crescent could be so much more.”

Stombler and her fellow Crescent residents will be a part of the planning process this year, starting with a gathering on the subject this weekend.

This neighborhood revitalization meeting starts this Sunday, Jan. 10 at 1 p.m. According to a public notice, members of the Arlington County Board will also be in attendance.

During the meeting, small groups will depart from the children’s playground at Jennie Dean Park at 3630 27th Street S. for a walking tour of the Crescent, lead by neighborhood guides.

Tours will end at the Arlington Food Assistance Center at 2708 S. Nelson Street around 1:45 p.m. Hot chocolate will be served as some residents and community members — and possibly County Board members, who will be attending the meeting — will give remarks about the neighborhood and their thoughts on which issues should be a priority.

Stombler is also responsible for organizing the walking meeting. In her letter, she expressed her neighborhood’s excitement and dedication to the start of the planning process.

“Shirlington Crescent is uniquely positioned to become an industry and arts cluster for Arlington,” she said. “[My neighbors and I] recognize that there is a long process of deliberation ahead, but we want to jumpstart the conversation. Input to our plan from the public is welcomed and encouraged.”

Total Wine Store Coming to Ballston

By Jennifer Currier
1/3

A Total Wine store is coming to Ballston.

The chain booze outlet, to be located at 800 N. Glebe Road near Mussel Bar, has applied for a Virginia ABC license to offer wine and beer for sale along with beer keg sales and delivery.

Though the Bethesda-based national retailer has locations in surrounding Alexandria, McLean, Fairfax and Springfield, this will be the first Total Wine location to open in Arlington.

A representative from the company — known as “America’s Wine Superstore” — confirmed the Glebe storefront is in the early stages of opening.

There appears to be no activity yet inside the space, and the representative could not provide an approximate date of when they hope to open the store.

Hat tip to ARLnow commenter Dean

Courthouse Plaza Construction to Wrap Up This Spring

By Jennifer Currier

Courthouse Plaza Improvement Sketch (via Vornado)

The seemingly endless construction at Courthouse Plaza — the privately-owned, open-air shopping center near the Courthouse Metro station — is finally nearing an end.

The final phase of construction at Courthouse Plaza is underway, we’re told, completing a series of improvement projects to the property that has extended over the course of the last several years.

The project currently under construction will make streetscape improvements along Clarendon Boulevard to “create a new pedestrian experience.” These improvements include installing new pavers — the stone along pedestrian walkways — and updating the entry into the plaza itself.

Once complete, the plaza will have a new, outdoor gathering space with seating. The area will also have contemporary landscaping features.

These outdoor improvements mark the end of the last phase of capital improvement projects for the building, according to Mara Olguin, spokeswoman for the property’s owner, Vornado. She said plans to make these improvements began more than three years ago and have involved multiple projects.

Some of these include the lease renewal and renovations to the AMC movie theater and improvements to the parking garages at 2200 and 2300 Clarendon Blvd. Before that, Vornado also oversaw the installation of new brickwork in the plaza.

Olguin added all the projects mentioned are consistent with the new Courthouse Sector Plan and Retail Action Plan, which the County Board approved last summer.

Construction work on the plaza’s outdoor area will continue through the winter and early spring. All work is expected to be completed by this April.

Photo via Vornado

Ballston Resident Helps Disabled Man Lost on the Metro Get Home

By Jennifer Currier

Rosslyn Metro by BrianMKA

Yesterday’s evening commute for Ballston resident Andrea Gagliardi was following the normal routine, until she found herself helping a disabled man find his way home.

The man — who Gagliardi described as approximately 50 years old, mute and mentally disabled — was being helped by another woman when she arrived at the Courthouse Metro station. That woman was visibly upset, saying someone had dropped him off at the station, leaving him to figure out how to get to an address written on the back of a business card.

“I couldn’t believe someone had just left him,” Gagliardi told ARLnow.com this morning. “The other woman was truly an angel for finding him and initiating the help because I might not have noticed him if she hadn’t called me over.”

The woman asked Gagliardi if she recognized the address. Though she didn’t, she thought she recognized the ZIP code and confirmed it was also in Ballston.

“I offered to take him on the train since I was going that direction, hoping there would be police at my station,” she said. “I wasn’t going to try and take him to the address. It could’ve been any place that wasn’t safe for him or me to be.”

“I didn’t feel threatened by the man at all,” Gagliardi added. “He was pleasant and friendly throughout the trip. I just think he was embarrassed, so I kept ensuring him we would figure it out together.”

Gagliardi was surprised to find a lack of police presence at the Ballston station and decided to get the attention of the station manager, who at first thought the man couldn’t speak English. Once he realized the man couldn’t speak at all, that’s when Gagliardi said he understood the gravity of the situation and Metro officials took over.

“The manager led him away from the crowds, so I left the station looking for a police officer, but no such luck,” she said. “I knew I had done the right thing, but I started feeling guilty thinking I should’ve stayed and made sure he was okay. If I could do it again, I would’ve stayed.”

The incident Monday was the third time in a little over the year Gagliardi has come to the assistance of someone in need at an Arlington Metro station. The first was an intoxicated man who almost fell onto the tracks, and last month a woman was stuck on an elevator.

“At first I thought why does this always happen to me,” she said. “But in each of the three scenarios I’ve been involved in, there have been other people also helping.”

(more…)

D.C. Political Comedy Troupe to Perform at Yorktown for Fundraiser

By Jennifer Currier

The Capitol Steps (via Yorktown High School Theatre Arts)A D.C.-based comedy troupe known for “putting the mock in democracy” is coming to an Arlington high school this month to support local theater.

The Capitol Steps will perform at Yorktown High School on Sunday, Jan. 31 from 7-9 p.m. The ensemble was formed by a group of Senate Staffers and has been performing their comedy — which combines both musical and political elements — for more than 30 years.

The troupe will perform songs from their latest album entitled Mock the Vote at the show. Together, the performers in the group have worked in 18 Congressional offices and have a combined 62 years of experience in the Senate and House.

General admission tickets are $35 per person. There will also be a pre-show cafe from 6-6:50 p.m. that requires separate tickets for $10 apiece. Both are available for purchase online.

A portion of the proceeds from all ticket sales will support the Yorktown Theatre Arts Program.

Photo via Yorktown High School Theatre Arts

Kickboxing Gym Now Open with Limited Hours on Columbia Pike

By Jennifer Currier

9Round Penrose in Dec. 2015Rapidly-expanding kickboxing gym company 9Round opened a new location along Columbia Pike over the weekend.

For now, the fitness club’s location at 2501 9th Road S., at Penrose Square, is in a “soft opening” period, announcing hours of operation on a week-by-week basis. It will be open from 4-9 p.m. through this Thursday and 4-8 p.m. on Friday.

According to 9Round partner Michael Agrillo, the location is offering specials for the opening and will host a grand opening party soon.

This is the second 9Round location to open in Arlington in the last three months. The other opened in November on N. Quincy Street in Ballston.

When the company first announced the new Arlington gyms in September, Agrillo said the company may look at a new space in Pentagon City or Crystal City.

That brings the total number of 9Rounds in the county up to three with considerations for a fourth, including the first Arlington location in Courthouse at 2250 Clarendon Blvd.

The Penrose Square gym is also the first of two 9Round gyms that opened in northern Virginia this week. A location in Falls Church at 6649 Arlington Blvd opened yesterday. It will be open this week during the same hours as the Penrose Square location.

Ebbin Trying Again to Codify LGBTQ Rights In Virginia Law

By Jennifer Currier

Adam Ebbin and Alfonso Lopez before Arlington's first same-sex marriage on 10/6/14State Sen. Adam Ebbin (D) is trying again to codify some basic LGBTQ rights in Virginia.

Ebbin has proposed three bills to the General Assembly regarding same-sex marriage and LGBTQ rights — bills very similar to the three that were rejected during last year’s legislative session. They were all defeated in their respective committees.

One bill would repeal the amendment to the Constitution of Virginia that defines valid or recognized marriages as “only a union between a man and a woman.” It also prohibits the creation or recognition of other legal relationship statuses — including partnerships and unions — that are assigned the same rights and benefits as marriages. This amendment was approved by voters during the November 2006 election, but declared unconstitutional by a federal judge in 2014.

Another Ebbin bill would repeal two pieces of state law that prohibit same-sex marriages and civil unions. The statute prohibiting marriage between individuals of the same sex and considering such marriages conducted in another state void was first enacted in 1975. The statute that does the same for civil unions was passed in 2004.

The final bill would amend the Virginia Human Rights Act by prohibiting public employers from discriminating against potential employees on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Furthermore, this bill would ensure pregnancy, childbirth/related medical conditions, marital status and status as a veteran are also included under the anti-discrimination section of the law. Race, color, religion, political affiliation, age, disability and national origin are already protected under this law.

These bill proposals were reintroduced to the state legislature approximately six months after the Supreme Court legalized gay marriage in all 50 states. Various Arlington officials spoke out after the ruling, supporting the decision.

Ebbin — who became the first openly gay state legislator elected in Virginia in 2003 — could not be reached for comment on his proposals. All three are currently in committee for consideration.

Virginia’s 2016 General Assembly legislative session is scheduled to last for 60 days, beginning on Jan. 13 and ending on March 12.

File photo

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