JBG SMITH, a leading owner and developer of high-quality, mixed-use properties in the Washington, DC market, announced today that it has acquired seven blocks of Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) spectrum stretching across Arlington County and the City of Alexandria through a national FCC auction that concluded in late August.
JBG SMITH’s investment in CBRS spectrum is part of a broader effort to develop National Landing into a world-class innovation district. The acquisition of spectrum accelerates JBG SMITH’s ability to partner with leading service providers to bring 5G and other technology infrastructure to National Landing. JBG SMITH envisions the area as a canvas for innovation in industry clusters such as defense and cybersecurity, cloud/edge computing, internet of things (IoT), and artificial intelligence (AI). This robust technology infrastructure will allow enterprises to connect everything and everyone in real time and transform customer engagement and experiences in National Landing.
For the third consecutive year, Marymount University has risen in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges Rankings.
After jumping more than 20 spots in last year’s list, Marymount is once again moving up among the Best Regional Universities in the South – now ranked at No. 31 in the region (No. 37 in 2020 Rankings). The University also improved its standing in four other regional categories as well:
Today, the Black Parents of Arlington (BPA), an advocacy group dedicated to improving the lives of Black children in Arlington by securing equitable treatment in the realms of education, criminal justice, and access to opportunities and resources, formally called for the removal of School Resource Officers (SROs) from all APS schools and facilities.
“The time is now, said BPA President Whytni H. Kernodle, Esq. Data-driven research has repeatedly shown stark disparities in the percentage of Black and Latino juveniles arrested and sentenced to detention relative to their population in the county. Interactions between SROs and Black and Brown students result in disproportionately higher suspension rates and other disciplinary actions than those interactions with white students. The data shows Black and Brown children have increasingly reported threatening and uncomfortable encounters with SROs, which impacts their learning and their academic future. It’s time for APS to create an environment where all students can learn without fear and intimidation.”
Bridges to Independence, a Northern Virginia provider of housing and vital services for at risk families and individuals, today announced its intent to merge with the Bonder and Amanda Johnson Community Development Corporation (BAJCDC), a community-based non-profit with a mission to address the health, education, financial empowerment and social service needs of people living in Arlington’s Green Valley neighborhood.
“Our merger with this great organization will allow Bridges to expand the scope of support it provides to at risk individuals and families in our community, and increases our capacity to respond to the current economic crisis and meet the ongoing demand for low-income housing in Northern Virginia,” said Bridges board president Patrick King. “BAJCDC has maintained a longstanding commitment to the less fortunate in our community, and our combined organization creates more opportunities to help Arlington families achieve stable, financially-independent futures.”
On July 29, Marymount University’s Board of Trustees unanimously voted to extend the contract of President Irma Becerra by an additional five years to 2026. This action comes one year earlier than expected, as Board members felt strongly that due to Dr. Becerra’s significant accomplishments during her tenure, it was important to ensure her continued association with Marymount on a more accelerated timeline.
“The Board is looking forward to Dr. Becerra’s continued contributions to this great institution for years to come, and is confident that her steadfast leadership will guide Marymount to the completion of its strategic goals for the future,” said Dr. Ed Bersoff, Chair of Marymount’s Board of Trustees.
Leaders of VOICE (Virginians Organized for Interfaith Community Engagement) cautiously welcomed the announcement by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of a nationwide eviction moratorium through Dec. 31, but noted that Congress and the Administration still need to work together to provide significant funding to prevent huge rental housing market instability after the ban expires.
VOICE leaders will continue to press the General Assembly, currently meeting in special session, and Gov. Ralph Northam to provide at least $200 million in new funding for the Governor’s Rent and Mortgage Relief Program, as well as additional protections for renters. Those include closing current loopholes that landlords can exploit to evict renters and ensure tenants who owe rent do not have their credit ruined, and in so doing make finding a new home nearly impossible.
On Thursday, September 3, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine will host a socially distant conversation in Arlington with local leaders to discuss the work being done to support the Latino community in Northern Virginia, as reports show Latino communities have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19. Kaine will learn more about efforts from local organizations to increase access to COVID-19 testing, rent and food assistance, and legal services, as well as learn more about what can be done on the federal level to better support the community.
The Pinkard Group, PGIM Real Estate and Lincoln Property Company are proud to kick-off the transformational renovations at 4300 Wilson. The market leading repositioning will create a hospitality-focused experience not available in the market. Working with design firm Gensler, 4300 Wilson’s lobby, and common areas will be reimagined to meet the demands of the modern workforce. Significant renovations are underway which include a new streetscape and entryway, revamped lobby, as well as the addition of a two-story amenity offering including a tenant lounge, conference area, and state-of-the-art fitness facility.
4300 Wilson is located on one of the most prominent sites in the Rosslyn-Ballston corridor of Northern Virginia. The 11-story green building features 270,000 square-feet of Class A office space inclusive of 20,000 square-feet of ground level retail facing the intersection of Wilson Boulevard and North Glebe Road.
The National Landing Business Improvement District (BID), in partnership with FRESHFARM, a nonprofit that promotes sustainable agriculture and improves food access and equity, the Friends of Urban Agriculture, an Arlington organization working to build a future of healthy, sufficient and affordable sustainable food for all in the Arlington community, and the Wakefield, Gunston and Hoffman-Boston parent-teacher associations, has launched the Farm-to-Families initiative to provide fresh produce to local families in need.
The BID has contributed approximately $10,000 to the program, enabling over 150 families to receive a weekly stock of fruits and vegetables from FRESHFARM and its local suppliers. The program is targeted at families in need that are living in National Landing, Shirlington, Columbia Pike and the surrounding neighborhoods with children who attend the participating schools.
Beginning Friday, September 4, 2020, Street Guys Hospitality’s Clarendon landmark restaurant, TTT (Tacos, Tortas & Tequila) known for its casual Mexican-influenced fare is adding an exciting bit of fun on Friday and Saturday nights and Sunday afternoons with virtual DJs. Guests dining on the first floor and on the third floor TTT Rooftop, which seats 82 and offers wonderful views on the city, will enjoy watching and listening to live streaming DJ performances via large screen projection. The featured DJ will be spinning in real time for four hours from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, and on Sunday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Each DJ’s playlists are designed specifically for TTT. For this new dining entertainment venture, TTT is installing a new 150-inch rooftop screen for easy viewing, while the first floor of TTT boasts the largest retractable flat screen in the area, which is 190 inches and suspended from the ceiling.
With live broadcast viewing, TTT’s performances will integrate a variety of genres played by featured DJs. The music will be upbeat and eclectic. Virtual performing musicians are also part of the future for TTT’s enhanced experience for weekend dining. There will be a weekly rotation of the talent. Every performance is inclusive with content devoid of any negative language which will be curated by Pelonkey. TTT will be broadcasting the playlists designed specifically for TTT’s audience, and one will be able to find them posted on the restaurant’s website, as well as shared on social media platforms to learn about upcoming DJs and anticipated content of their shows.
Smokecraft Modern Barbecue is excited to debut its much-anticipated patio, now open daily for outdoor dining and drinking. Arlington residents and visitors can now enjoy Smokecraft’s award-winning barbecue outside on a socially distant patio, consisting of 38 seats.
The new restaurant has also launched its to-go cocktail program. Enjoy Lead Mixologist Lauren Paylor’s designs like the Smoke on the Water with Catoctin Creek Roundstone Rye, spiced honey, and angostura bitters, the Cucumber Collins with Beefeater Gin, salted cayenne cucumber, house sour, and soda, and the Chipotle Margarita with Sauza Blue Tequila, house sour, Cointreau, and chipotle bitters. Growlers of craft beer and wine bottles are also available for carryout.
