Author: Kalina Newman

MONA, Local Community Groups Scramble As Yahoo Groups Shutters

By Kalina Newman

Local groups including Mothers of North Arlington (MONA) and the Alcova Heights Community Association were left scrambling last week after Yahoo announced it would be shuttering its still-widely-used online messaging tool, Yahoo! Groups.

“This listserv was very valuable to the neighborhood,” said Mark Wigfield, the moderator for the Barcroft School & Civic League chat list (Bsclchat). “People [used it to] chat back and forth about hiring plumbers and carpenters, local issues, crime reports, ‘curb alerts’ for stuff they’re putting out on the curb for the taking, and more.”

As of today, some affected Arlington groups are steadily figuring out how to transition their organizations out of Yahoo and onto other platforms. Alcova Heights, for example, has already converted to using Google Groups.

Over the weekend, MONA board members unanimously voted to move their forums over to the email platform groups.io. MONA had used Yahoo! Groups since 2001 and has over 2,300 members.

“After a rigorous testing of groups.io by a special testing group we set up, we are confident and comfortable in our choice of the new, enhanced platform and feel this will be a change for the better,” said MONA President Mrinal Oberoi.

In 2014, MONA’s then-president resigned amid a backlash over transitioning the organization away from Yahoo! Groups.

Yahoo announced last week its plans to shut down its forums, giving its hundreds of thousands of members until Monday, October 28 — the original announcement said it would happen on October 21, but that date was later changed — to use the service. Users will then have until December 14 to access archived messages. Email functionality will remain, for now, but without attachments, archives and other features.

“I’m a little reluctant to let our archives disappear into the ether — I think [the] Bsclchat has been around for at least 20 years, so that’s a lot of history,” said Wigfield.

Across Arlington, social and community groups utilize listservs like Yahoo! Groups as a way to communicate and encourage discussions with residents and members. The message board functionality allows discussions to take place without a deluge of emails to subscribers.

New Japanese Restaurant To Join Gong Cha Tea Shop In Rosslyn

By Kalina Newman
1/2

A new Japanese restaurant is coming to Rosslyn in conjunction with the upcoming Gong Cha Tea Shop.

Permits have been filed for Toryumon Japanese House at 1650 Wilson Blvd, across from the new Arlington Public Schools facility The Heights.

The Japanese restaurant already has a location in D.C. at 1901 Pennsylvania Avenue. Its menu features a wide variety of traditional and speciality sushi rolls, along with ramen and hibachi.

Additional permits at the same address have been filed for national bubble tea chain Gong Cha Tea Shop.

A spokesman from Gong Cha confirmed the location with ARLnow and said it would open by December, though no construction activity was evident as of this morning.

Toryumon Japanese House could not be reached for comment.

The ground floor of 1650 Wilson Blvd was formerly home to Ray’s Hell Burger.

Startup Monday: Arlington’s Only Commercial Urban Farm

By Kalina Newman

Editor’s Note: Sponsored by Monday Properties and written by ARLnow.com, Startup Monday is a weekly column that profiles Arlington-based startups and their founders, plus other local technology happenings. The Ground Floor, Monday’s office space for young companies in Rosslyn, is now open. The Metro-accessible space features a 5,000-square-foot common area that includes a kitchen, lounge area, collaborative meeting spaces, and a stage for formal presentations.

If you’ve dined in D.C. at Jose Andres’ minibar, Johnny Spero’s Reverie, or Robert Wiedmaier’s Marcel’s, chances are you sampled produce grown in Arlington.

It’s no secret that interest in urban farming has skyrocketed in recent years, however Arlington-based Fresh Impact remains the county’s only commercial urban farm.

Tucked in an unassuming strip mall on Lee Highway, with no signage or disclosed address, Fresh Impact is under the radar of most Arlingtonians, but well-known among local chefs, particularly higher-end chefs.

Founded in 2017, the company has grown over 300 different rare herbs, varieties of greens, and edible flowers based on the needs of the local restaurant industry.

“One of the primary reasons we located in Arlington was to be as close to D.C., and our customer base, as possible,” said founder Ryan Pierce.

“Being able to grow indoors, not only is it sustainable but our produce is free from pesticides, fungicides, and herbicides,” Pierce said.

At any given time, employees at Fresh Impact are maintaining between 30 to 40 varieties of produce depending on the season. Despite this, the farm still has room to grow and add more products.

“We’re hoping to sell out completely by the end of 2020, we want to get to where we simply can’t grow anymore,” Pierce said. “When that happens, then we’ll look at opportunities to expand our operations to other facilities and look to provide more local products to other restaurants.”

The company has grown primarily via word of mouth, through recommendations from chefs to other chefs. Everything is harvested and delivered to the restaurants on the same day to maintain maximum freshness.

Arlington Agenda: October 21-27

By Kalina Newman

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.

Monday, October 21

Cheetah Conservation Fund — 18th Annual DC Gala
Hyatt Regency Crystal City (2799 Richmond Highway)
Time: 5:30-9:30 p.m. 

Join Dr. Laurie Marker, the executive director and founder of the Cheetah Conservation Fund, for the 18th annual D.C. gala. VIP guests will enjoy an intimate gathering with Dr. Marker and the cheetah ambassador from the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium from 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Chuck Rosenberg on the Rule of Law
Central Library (1015 N. Quincy Street)
Time: 2:30-4 p.m. 

Former federal prosecutor and senior FBI official Chuck Rosenberg will give a discussion on current events, including his analysis of the Mueller investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential elections. Free to attend.

Tuesday, October 22

Love is Love Book Club
Shirlington Library (4200 Campbell Ave.) 
Time: 7-8 p.m. 

This book club, which meets on the fourth Monday of each month, meets at the Shirlington library for a group discussion of LGBTQIA+ books. Bring your own books to share and compare. The free group is open to anyone ages eighteen and older.

Rent vs. Buy Happy Hour
Boeser Group and Nicole McNabb Realty (1934 Wilson Blvd)
Time: 6:30-7:30 p.m. 

Learn about the pros and cons of buying and renting a property at this workshop, with refreshments provided. In addition, learn about how you get a $1500 credit towards closing a lease.  Free, with advanced RSVP recommended.

Wednesday, October 23

Write Your Own Obituary
Columbia Pike Branch Library (816 S. Walter Reed Drive)
Time: 7-8:30 p.m. 

Join licensed mortician Jamie T. Arthurs at the Columbia Pike library to explore the benefits of planning end-of-life events, including workshopping how to write your own obituary. Free, with attendance on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Small Business Roundtable
Arlington Chamber of Commerce (2009 14th Street N.)
Time: 11:45 a.m.- 1 p.m.

This monthly, free, small business roundtable offers an educational opportunity to local business owners. This month’s topic is “Create a Marketing Plan – No Matter the Stage of Your Business.” Free to attend, with RSVP recommended.

Thursday, October 24

Beckett’s Pumpkin Carving
Samuel Beckett’s Irish Gastro Pub (2800 S. Randolph Street)
Time: 6-9 p.m.

Join Samuel Beckett’s Irish Gastro Pub for a night of pumpkin carving. Prizes awarded to the best pumpkin. Pumpkins provided, with advanced registration required. After the carving, make a night of it with late-night whiskey flights.

Pitch a Friend
Wilson Hardware (2915 Wilson Blvd) 
Time: 8-10 p.m. 

“Like Shark Tank, but for your single friends.” If you’ve got a friend who you think would make a great match for someone, you’ll have 3 minutes to present on why someone should date them. Then, mingle to your heart’s content. RSVP required.

Friday, October 25

Haunted House Food Drive
Fort Ethan Allen Park (4228 N. Old Glebe Road)
Time: 7-10 p.m.

Run by scouts from local Troop 104, this haunted house is fun for all ages. Instead of an entrance fee, the event requires a food donation for AFAC. Suggested donations include canned tuna, canned soups, cereal, and peanut butter.

Saturday, October 26

Fall Festival 
Quincy Park (1021 N. Quincy Street)
Time: 2-5 p.m. 

This free fall festival is open to everyone and will feature moon bounces, games, and candy, with coffee provided for adults. Hosted by Emmanuel Presbyterian Church.

Become a Memorable Speaker and Leader
Marymount University Ballston Campus (1000 N. Glebe Road)
Time: 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. 

Join Toastmasters International for this forum on how to write and present a memorable speech, use improv to connect with your audience, and become a motivational leader. $40.

Octoberfest Bazaar
Walker Chapel United Methodist Church (4102 N. Glebe Road)
Time: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

This festival will feature vendors selling clothing, furniture, outdoor and household items, crafts, jewelry, and more. The cafe will be open to serve breakfast and lunch, and all proceeds go to charity.

Bike & Brews for Boobs 
Ryde by Revolve Fitness (1025 N. Fillmore Street) 
Time: 12-2 p.m. 

Sweat for a cause at this 45 minute spin class, followed by a celebration of brews and snacks from Bakeshop & Screwtop Wine Bar. $28, with a raffle drawing as well.

Sunday, October 27

Dogma’s 10th Annual Trick or Treat
Dogma at The Village at Shirlington (2772 S. Arlington Mill Drive)
Time: 2-4 p.m.

It’s been a full decade of Trick or Treating with your pet with Dogma! This year, start at Dogma, get your map, and trick or treat throughout Shirlington Village. $12.

 

‘Fall Women’s Market’ Coming to Ballston Quarter Tomorrow

By Kalina Newman

A weekend-long market featuring exclusively women-owned local businesses is coming to Ballston Quarter this weekend.

The market will run on Saturday, October 19 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday, October 20 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m., at the M2 level of Ballston Quarter (4238 Wilson Blvd).

“We are excited to welcome and support all these amazing women-owned local businesses this weekend and showcase Ballston Quarter’s own women-owned businesses such as Scout & Molly’s, Gossip Boutique, Steadfast Supply, Cookology and more,” said Cristian Becker, Marketing Director for Ballston Quarter.

For the event, Ballston Quarter has partnered with the Awesome Women Entrepreneurs, a community for local female business owners. Its Arlington chapter features more than 175 women entrepreneurs.

The Ballston Quarter website currently lists the following businesses as expected exhibitors.

“I am proud to be a part of the Arlington community as well as the amazing community of female entrepreneurs in the DMV area, so participating in events that strengthen these communities is close to my heart,” said Scout & Indiana owner Emily Steigler.

Photo via ballstonquarter.com

Traffic Calming Project Underway Along N. Stafford Street

By Kalina Newman
1/4

The county has kicked off its four-block traffic calming project along N. Stafford Street, north of Washington-Liberty High School.

The project, between Lee Highway and 15th Street N. in Cherrydale, is part of the county’s “Neighborhood Complete Streets” program.

A key feature of the project is the implementation of a “chicane,” or curved design, on the street. The Institute of Transportation Engineers suggests curving a street slows traffic by forcing drivers to “steer back and forth instead of traveling a straight path.”

The traffic calming is necessary because the current road design allows drivers to speed down it.

“The existing roadway is long and straight, has a lot of topography which creates a lot of slope, and these are characteristics of the road that allow vehicles to pick up speed,” said an Arlington Dept. of Environmental Services (DES) official at a recent meeting about the project.

The official noted that observed speeds on the road were not enough to justify “vertical” traffic calming measures like speed bumps, but did call for something “less obtrusive,” like the chicane.

The county is planning to remove remove three to five parking spaces to make room for the chicane changes.

The project includes other upgrades and changes.

Crews could be seen yesterday (Thursday) replacing the stop signs at the intersection of N. Stafford Street and Lee Highway. One worker noted the sign was “rusty and outdated,” and the replacement sign would have “better reflectivity so drivers know to stop.”

Workers will also soon be installing a new curb ramp at the intersection of 19th Street N. and N. Stafford Street, plus a new all-way stop at the intersection of 17th Street N. and N. Stafford Street, according to DES spokesman Eric Balliet.

The traffic-calming project is intended to:

  • Slow vehicle speeds
  • Reduce/eliminate crashes
  • Meet engineering best practices
  • Provide a better pedestrian experience

Arlington officials picked N. Stafford Street for the project after asking for public nomination of dangerous streets across the county. According to the project page, it was the “top ranked street from the first round of [Complete Streets] applications.”

In a public survey by DES, 41% of responders said they would feel “safer” with the proposed changes on N. Stafford Street, while 11% said they would feel “much safer.”

A spokeswoman for the Arlington County Police Department said police have not recorded any crash at the intersection of N. Stafford Street between Lee Highway in the last four years.

The N. Stafford Street improvements are being considered a pilot project. County staff will observe and measure conditions on the street for at least one year, per the project website.

The project will cost an estimated $20,000 for striping, signage, and concrete work. Funding was allocated in the county’s FY 2019-28 Capital Improvement Plan.

Photos via Arlington County

County Permanently Shuttering Fire Station 7 in Fairlington

By Kalina Newman
1/3

After months of debate on its fate, Arlington County has made the decision to permanently shutter Fire Station 7 in Fairlington.

County Manager Mark Schwartz made the call to close the station following recommendations from both the Arlington County Fire Department and the Arlington Department of Environmental Services, per a press release.

“This was not an easy decision, because we know the community has had a special relationship with Fire Station 7 — affectionately known as “The Little House” — and its personnel for more than half a century,” Schwartz said a statement.

According to the release, there would only be room for one emergency vehicle if the county were to renovate the station — which goes against the county’s latest fire station design standards for housing multiple vehicles.

Additionally, the renovated station would not have enough space to meet proper health and safety standards.

“Asking taxpayers to pay for rebuilding a station that doesn’t move us forward in meeting our community’s growing needs would not be fiscally responsible,” Schwartz said.

The station, located 3116 S. Abingdon Street in the middle of the mostly residential Fairlington neighborhood, shut down last October after fire personnel heard “creaking noises” in the station’s ceiling and it was deemed structurally unsafe. Its status was  “temporarily closed” until yesterday (Thursday).

During an audit meeting in August regarding the use of overtime in the fire department, County Board Vice Chair Libby Garvey noted that 60 percent of the station’s runs were to Alexandria and Fairfax, given its location in the county’s southwestern tip.

The county is still in the early stages of scouting for a site for a new fire station to serve Columbia Pike. Schwartz recently suggested that the eastern end of Columbia Pike would be a desirable location.

In lieu of Fire Station 7, county officials say the following stations will help serve the Fairlington area:

  • Fire Station 9: 1900 S. Walter Reed Drive, Arlington
  • Fire Station 203: 2801 Cameron Mills Road, Alexandria
  • Fire Station 206: 4609 Seminary Road, Alexandria
  • Fire Station 410: 3601 Firehouse Lane, Bailey’s Crossroads (Fairfax)

Arlington County is “developing a process to determine future use” of the Fire Station 7 site, the press release says. It will not be used for fire department purposes, an ACFD spokesman told ARLnow.

The full press release is below, after the jump.

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Committee Endorses Zoning Expansion for More Elder Care Housing in Arlington

By Kalina Newman
1/4

The Arlington County Zoning Committee (ZOCO) is recommending the county open up more areas for potential use as elder care facilities.

During a meeting last night (Tuesday), ZOCO urged the county permit elder care facilities across 18 zoning districts, citing a growing elderly population and prohibitive restrictions on where such facilities can currently be built. The loosened regulations would let developers build nursing homes, assisted living facilities, independent living facilities, and continuing care retirement communities.

“This limitation on potential sites and development standards has become a barrier to licensed residential care facilities seeking to locate in Arlington,” said Nick Rogers, zoning amendment coordinator with the Department of Community Planning, Housing and Development.

Last night, Rogers presented interim results of the county’s study of ways to build more senior housing, particularly in places like Rosslyn, Crystal City, and along Columbia Pike.

“Elder care facilities are an appropriate use for zoning districts which already permit multifamily development,” he said.

There are more than 35,000 Arlington residents above the age of 60, according to a county staff report.

“This represents 14% of the County’s population, and this percentage is expected to grow in the coming decades,” the report notes. “Across the nation, one in five Americans will be age 65 or older by 2030.”

That growing older population will need places to live that support their needs.

“Arlington is really behind in housing for older people and more assisted living facilities are definitely needed,” said Joan McDermott, a former member of the Arlington Commission on Aging, during an October 7 community forum.

There are currently 12 elderly residential care facilities in Arlington, all built before 2013 — when the county tightened zoning regulations, effectively limiting elder care facilities to a handful of smaller spaces meant for hospitals. The most recent facility is Mary Marshall Assisted Living, which opened in the Penrose neighborhood in 2011 and is funded by the county.

Developer Artis Senior Living submitted a site plan earlier this year to build a six-story, senior living facility along the 4300 block of Lee Highway. The plans stalled after the site turned out to be outside the county’s few areas designated in 2013 for elder care facilities, leading the developer request an exemption to move forward with the project.

A representative from the McLean-based company was present during the October community meeting on the issue but declined to comment.

During the community forum, residents were asked to place stickers on a map indicating where they would like to see future elder care housing. The blue dots were dispersed across the the county, with the biggest clusters of dots stuck to the Courthouse and Bluemont areas.

The zoning expansion is scheduled for review with the county’s Planning Commission in December, before reaching the dais of the Arlington County Board later that month.

Photo (1) via sunriseseniorliving.com

Roasted Corn Stand “Shuck Shack” Opens in Pentagon City Mall

By Kalina Newman
1/3

Florida-based roasted corn stand “Shuck Shack” has opened its first Arlington location in the Fashion Centre at Pentagon City.

The fast-casual stand, which specializes in gourmet roasted corn topped with butter and/or seasonings such as Old Bay and chili powder, first opened earlier this month on the food court level of the mall next to the Forever 21 store entrance.

“We’re always looking for new, fast-casual dining options for our shoppers and are thrilled to be able to offer Shuck Shack’s ‘World Famous’ roasted corn at our center,” said Todd Jerscheid, director of marketing and business development for the mall, which also caters to large tour groups, busloads of visiting students, and people heading to and from the Pentagon City Metro station.

Additional flavors of corn include “The Founder’s Special” topped with a secret blend of seasonings, and hot butter, and “Mexican Street Corn,” (commonly known as “elote“), made with parmesan cheese and additional spices.

A sign on the side of the stand notes that the franchise is veteran owned. The owner did not respond to several requests for comment at the time of publication.

New Harris Teeter on Columbia Pike Opening Next Week

By Kalina Newman

The new Harris Teeter store along Columbia Pike will open its doors to the public next week.

A ribbon cutting and a grand opening celebration will take place at the store (950 S. George Mason Drive) on Tuesday, October 22 from 4-7 p.m. During the grand opening, a “Taste of Teeter” will be held throughout the store, featuring grocery product samples.

The finished grocery store is has just over 50,000 square feet of space and is a larger part of the redevelopment of the Columbia Pike Village Center, dubbed “Centro Arlington.”

In celebration of the new store, Centro Arlington developers Orr Partners, in partnership with the Columbia Pike Revitalization Organization (CPRO), will host a Halloween-themed party on Saturday, October 26 from 2-6 p.m.

“We want to invite everyone to join us for this [Halloween] celebration to thank the community for putting up with our dust as we constructed this great project,” said David Orr, Chairman of Orr Partners, in a press release.

Developers first announced the large-scale project — which includes 22,150 square feet of public space, a three-level parking garage, and 365 market-rate apartments) — in 2015. It was approved by the county a year later, resulting in the demolition of the former Food Star grocery store.

“CPRO is thrilled to see the Pike growing,” said the organization’s executive director, Kim Klingler, in a statement. “We are eager to welcome Centro’s new tenants and businesses to the community.”

Harris Teeter joins Centro Arlington tenants Orangetheory Fitness, Eye Smile Optometry & Dental Care, and pop-up hotelier WhyHotel.

More on the store from Harris Teeter’s website:

This location will have many unique features including: expanded service meat and seafood cases with dry aged beef; handmade lobster rolls; and fresh steamed seafood. This location will also feature a pharmacy, ExpressLane Online Shopping and signature Harris Teeter amenities, such as: a hot foods bar; salad bar; a sub shop; store-made pizza; and fresh sushi.

“Harris Teeter is thrilled to celebrate the Centro Arlington store opening with a Taste of Teeter; we know the community is excited to see their new store, and we cannot wait to meet our new neighbors,” said Danna Robinson, communication manager for Harris Teeter.

In each of its stores, Harris Teeter strives to offer customers an incredible place to shop, which begins with customer service and features high-quality products, variety and selection. Harris Teeter also works to be a true community partner by supporting local schools and youth sports organizations, among other non-profit organizations. […]

Store Hours: 6 a.m.-midnight, daily

Store Square Footage: 53,000

Check-Out Lanes: 6 checkouts and 8 express checkouts

Pharmacy Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Store Features and Departments

Full-service Butchers Market with Rancher Beef, HT Reserve Angus Beef and USDA Certified Very Tender Beef • Dry Aged Beef Fresh • Store made sausage and burgers • Full-service Fishermans Market • Fresh Steamed Seafood • Fresh Made Lobster Rolls • Farmers Market Produce • Salad Bar  • Full-Service Floral and Custom Floral Arrangements • Full-service Fresh Foods Market Deli/Bakery • Sushi • Self-Serve Olives • International Cheeses • Custom Cakes and Ice Cream Cakes • Sub Shop • Artisan Breads • Boar’s Head Meats and Cheeses  • Fresh Made Pizza • Party Trays • Home Meal Replacements • Natural and Organic Foods • Pharmacy •  Free Blood Pressure Testing • Private, Professional Pharmacist Consultations • Drug Interaction/ Allergy Screening • Double Coupons • Club 60 Discount • ExpressLane Online Shopping •  Red Box DVD Rental Kiosk •  Starbucks • Sit-down eating area • ATM • Build Your Own 6-packs

What Can You Grow On A Rooftop in Arlington?

By Kalina Newman
1/3

When moving into a small living space, growing crops seems like a faraway possibility.

Local company Love & Carrots wants to prove otherwise.

As a part of Arlington’s “Urban Agriculture Month,” on Friday, October 11, Love & Carrots hosted a public tour of their ordinarily private rooftop garden at the Ten at Clarendon apartment complex, where they taught visitors how to successfully grow vegetables in their own homes or apartment buildings.

During the tour, Carly Mercer, director of garden programming for Love & Carrots, debunked common issues with urban farming, including a perception that it’s difficult to do well.

“A lot of it comes down to frequent watering, pest control, and maintaining a deep enough level of soil,” said Mercer.

Many urban gardeners who grow herbs out of their balcony, she said, plant them in shallow pots that, unbeknownst to most, require watering every one to two hours.

But growing plants on a rooftop also comes with its faults, Mercer added.

“We can’t grow crops on a trellis, so things like grapes are out of the question. And with heavier winds, we had to rule out heavier produce — a butternut squash once went flying off of a rooftop.”

Across the D.C. area, Love & Carrots creates garden spaces for schools, non-profits, residences, restaurants, and residential communities. Every other week, Love & Carrots gardener stops by to help maintain the plants. The company is growing as local interest in urban agriculture blooms.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B1_RG2Jhf82/

Their space at Ten at Clarendon provides apartment residents with a monthly share of the produce, and every other week, a Love & Carrots farmer lays out fresh harvests in the lobby for all residents to enjoy.

Additional urban agriculture activities throughout the month include a screening of the movie “Growing Cities,” and open garden tours through the Arlington Food Assistance Center.

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