Alexandria

Police Investigating Bank Robbery in Fairlington Area

By ARLnow.com
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A man robbed the Wells Fargo Bank at the corner of N. Quaker Street and Fern Street, just across from Arlington’s Fairlington neighborhood, this morning.

The man passed a note to a teller shortly before noon, Alexandria Police said in a press release (below). He was wearing a gray coat, dark pants and a “Brooklyn Nets” hat.

Other bank customers can be seen lined up behind the man in one of the surveillance photos released by police.

The Alexandria Police Department is investigating the robbery of a Wells Fargo Bank located at 1711 Fern Street. On Thursday, April 28, at 11:40 a.m., a man entered the bank and passed the teller a note. He demanded money, the teller complied and the suspect fled with an undisclosed amount of cash. There were no injuries.

The suspect is described as a male with a medium complexion, approximately 5’6″ tall with a thin build. He was wearing a baseball cap, glasses and a gray coat. Investigators believe this is the same suspect from the bank robbery on April 18, 2016.

The Federal Bureau of Investigations is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information that leads to the identification, arrest and conviction of this bank robbery.

Police ask that anyone with information about this incident call Detective Christine Deibes at 703.746.6819.

Update at 5:50 p.m. — The same bank robber struck in Alexandria 10 days ago, says the FBI.

FBI bank robbery wanted poster

Registration Open for Arlington 9/11 Memorial 5K

By ARLnow.com

Runners lined up for the 9/11 Memorial 5K Run on Saturday (courtesy photo)It’s five months away, but registration is open for the annual Arlington Police, Fire and Sheriff 9/11 Memorial 5K.

Marking the 15th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terror attacks, this year the race is raising funds for the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.

Early bird registration, through June 6, is $35. It’s $40 after that.

The race will take place on Saturday, Sept. 10 in the Pentagon City area. It is limited to 5,000 runners.

“Since its inception, the Arlington Police, Fire & Sheriff 9/11 Memorial Race has had over 30,000 runners cross its finish line and has raised over $500,000 for 9/11-related charities,” notes the race website.

Race organizers are also helping to promote a race this weekend in Alexandria.

The Run for 32 is being held at Cameron Run Regional Park (4001 Eisenhower Avenue) on Saturday, April 16. Held in remembrance of the victims of the 2007 Virginia Tech school shooting, the race helps to raise money for the Koshka Foundation, which was founded by one of the shooting’s most critically injured survivors.

Notch 8 in Alexandria Offering Up to $6,000 in Groceries for New Applicants

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Let’s say you’ve landed an apartment at Alexandria’s hottest property, Notch 8, the brand new six-story, upscale building located in Potomac Yards. Let’s say you breeze home from work on the nearby Metro and are ready to make dinner, but you find you are lacking an important ingredient: Groceries.

What do you put into those hardwood cabinets in the pantry, or set out on the kitchen islands, or steam, roast or grill in the new stainless steel stoves and ovens?

Well, the good news is, besides living in an apartment with plank flooring, oversized windows streaming in natural light and having the climate controlled by a high-tech Nest “learning” thermostat, you live atop — quite literally — a Giant Food grocery store.

Handy! But wait, as they say: There’s more.

What if the groceries were free?

Despite the building being two-thirds occupied, the management is holding an enticing sweepstakes for first-time applicants with approved applications that rewards the winner with free groceries for a year. That’s an up-to-$6,000 value.

Sign up now until May 1.

What could you do with 24 Giant Food gift cards each worth $250.00, good for the Giant Food downstairs?

Oh, let’s just think.

You could host at least one or two parties on the swimming pool deck (grills provided). You could provide beverages and snacks for a number of sit-and-chat sessions by the fire pit near the outdoor billiards tables. You could spring for popcorn on the monthly movie night, but management has that covered.

Or you might just want to keep the up-to-$6,000 to yourself, fill those designer pantries with premium goodies and enjoy life full stop at Notch 8.

Notch 8 is convenient to Route 1 and I-395, offering direct access to the District. The underground garage has EV charging stations and a Zipcar right next door.

Plus, there is a dedicated Metroway bus running every six minutes during rush hour to both the Crystal City and Braddock Road Metro stations on the Blue and Yellow lines.

Notch 8 is located at 2900 Main Line Blvd in Alexandria. Learn more about this free groceries sweepstakes on Notch 8’s website or call 866-811-1457.

The preceding was a promoted post written by ARLnow.com and sponsored by Notch 8.

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Tree in bloom in Fairlington

Arlington Man Killed in Motorcycle Accident — An Arlington man died Saturday after his motorcycle skidded out of control while he was trying to get on northbound I-395 from Route 236, near Landmark Mall in Alexandria. Altankhuyag Saintur, 26, was pronounced dead at Inova Fairfax Hospital. [Washington Post]

Firefighters Battle Blaze in Cherrydale — Arlington County firefighters were able to quickly extinguish a house fire on the 4000 block of Vacation Lane in Cherrydale early Saturday morning. No injuries were reported. [Twitter]

Shamrock Crawl Arrests — There were no major incidents during Saturday’s Shamrock Crawl in Clarendon, but nine people were arrested for drunken behavior. The Arlington County Police Department maintained a significant presence at the bar crawl — paid for by the organizers — which kept unruliness to a relative minimum. [WJLA]

Another Grocery Store for the Pike? — Arlington County Board Chair Libby Garvey would like to attract another food option for the western end of Columbia Pike, at least for the two years between when the Food Star store closes for construction and another grocery store opens in its place. [InsideNova]

Two Programs Planned at Arlington Mill Center — Arlington County has agreed to lease 9,400 square feet of third-floor space in the Arlington Mill Community Center to two local children’s programs: Aspire! After School Learning and Jane Franklin Dance. Aspire! will have 18 months to raise the funds to build out and lease the space, under a Letter of Intent signed with the county. [Arlington County]

The Mill: Where History Meets Contemporary Living in Old Town

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The following promoted post was written for ARLnow.com by Buzz McClain and sponsored by The Mill.

The Old Town Alexandria building now known as The Mill has been many things since it was built when James K. Polk was president in 1847. In its 169 years it has served as a cotton mill (hence the name), a bottling facility for a brewery, a spark plug factory and the headquarters of the international police chiefs association.

As of earlier this year, it is now a place you can live in — in modern, boutique loft-apartment splendor — with views of the Potomac River and the crucial convenience of a centralized location in historic Old Town.

The property developers, the locally based CAS Riegler, respected the historic integrity of the building while incorporating the amenities modern city dwellers expect in luxury apartment accommodations. So for example, you get useful USB-ports in rooms with soaring 10- to 15-foot ceilings; you get quartz countertops and soft-close high-end cabinetry in kitchens with rustic exposed brick walls.

“The architect and designers did a fantastic job of seamlessly integrating the vintage charm of the historic building–such as the exposed brick walls and ceiling beams–with the sophisticated and polished look of modern apartment living,” said Tracy Fones, chief operating officer of The Property Portfolio, the progressive-minded firm managing The Mill. “They mix remarkably well.”

Fones points out that of the 25 apartments in The Mill, several are two-levels. “They are nothing that you can find anywhere else,” he said. But they are moving fast: “Of the five penthouse two-level apartments, we have only two left.” In addition to the duplexes, there are a variety of single-level one and two bedroom apartments available with stunning original details and soaring ceiling heights that speak to the building’s industrial past.

Among highlights of the common areas, Fones points out The Mill has its own outdoor park coming soon with an art installation and a top-floor club room with video and Internet and a balcony with views across the Potomac of the colorful Capital Wheel at National Harbor.

Fones adds that The Mill has hard-to-find furnished short-term rentals available as well as long-term furnished rental arrangements. And he advises those interested to call for information on great spring leasing specials.

The Mill is at 515 Washington Street in Old Town Alexandria. For more information, contact the building management on The Mill website.

Arlington Man Charged in Alexandria Murder

By ARLnow.com

Police car lights(Updated at 6:50 p.m.) An 18-year-old Arlington man has been arrested and charged with a murder in Alexandria.

Edwin Umana was charged in the homicide of a 22-year-old man, Eduardo Almendarez, whose body was found stabbed in Four Mile Run Park, near Potomac Yard, on Dec. 4.

Alexandria Police say the the crime was “gang-motivated” and that Umana was a member of the MS-13 gang. Almendarez was not in the gang, said Alexandria Police spokesman Crystal Nosal.

Alexandria Police also today announced that three suspects were in custody in connection with the homicide of a 24-year-old man found dead at a playground in Alexandria’s Beverly Park. That murder was also perpetrated by MS-13 members, Nosal said.

The suspects and the victims of both crimes were all undocumented immigrants, according to police.

The press release about the arrest of Umana is below.

Alexandria Police have charged a suspect in connection with the homicide of Eduardo David Chandias Almendarez, who was found deceased in Four Mile Run Park on December 4, 2015.

Edwin Alexander Guerreo Umana, 18, of Arlington, was charged with Murder on January 13, 2016. He is being held without bond.

“The hard work of Alexandria Police detectives and vital assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations directly led to this arrest and closure for the victim’s family”, said Police Chief Earl Cook. “This homicide investigation continues and the Alexandria Police Department is unwavering in its determination to arrest all responsible for this young man’s death. The safety of this community is of utmost importance to us. ”

The Police Department asks that anyone with information about this investigation contact Detective William Oakley at 703.746.6606.

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Finish line at Tuckahoe Elementary (photo courtesy Buzz McClain)

Wakefield Wins, Ends Undefeated in Conference — The Wakefield Warriors football team defeated the Lee Lancers 50-18 on Friday to finish the regular season 8-2 and undefeated in the Capitol Conference. Wakefield will play in the first round of the 5A North Region playoffs on Friday. [InsideNova]

W-L Makes Playoffs with Win Against Yorktown — The Washington-Lee Generals secured a playoff spot and a 5-5 season with a win against cross-county rival Yorktown on Friday. It wrapped up Yorktown’s first losing season since 1995. [Washington Post]

I-66 ‘Worst Damn Freeway in America’ — Traffic-clogged I-66 is the worst interstate highway in America, so says the website Thrillist, based on federal highway data. I-10 in New Orleans was ranked the second worst.  [Thrillist]

Arlington to Get Development Boost at Alexandria’s Expense? — After years of losing big office tenants to Alexandria, the economic tables may be turning for Arlington County. This month Alexandria elected a new mayor who ran on a mildly anti-development platform, while Arlington elected two new County Board members who spoke in favor of economic development efforts. [Bisnow]

Photo courtesy Buzz McClain

Construction Continues on Crystal City Potomac Yard Transitway

By Heather Mongilio

Crystal City Potomac Yard Transistway (via Arlington County)Construction on the Crystal City Potomac Yard Transitway will continue through the fall after being delayed by construction conflicts.

“Unforeseen utility conflicts, poor soil conditions and underground obstructions slowed work at several station locations,” the county said on the project’s website.

Arlington County is currently working with contractors to set a new completion date for the project, said county spokesman Eric Balliet, adding that the county will update the community once a schedule has been set.

The county is also holding a public meeting next week to give an update on transitway. The meeting on Oct. 8 will be held at the Residence Inn (2800 S. Potomac Avenue) from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Currently, the county is working on new transitway lanes and on three of the new stations, Balliet said. Crystal Drive, S. Clark Street and S. Bell Street are affected by the road construction, he added.

“New dedicated transit lanes in Potomac Yard are nearing completion,” Balliet said. “Traffic signs and station signage are being installed, and we’ve started testing LED signs and other technologies that will support the transitway. Our contractor recently resumed construction at several station locations where utility conflicts, poor soils and underground obstructions had slowed work.”

Once completed, the Crystal City Potomac Yard transitway will provide better bus service along the Route 1 corridor, especially during rush hour, the county said.

“The new 4.5-mile Transitway between the Crystal City and Braddock Road Metrorail stations will provide faster, more reliable bus service along the congested Route 1 corridor, with amenities designed to attract new riders,” the county said.

The transitway project broke ground in July 2014 and was originally slated to take 10 months.

Photo via Arlington County

Live Well and Be Part of the Community at the Bradley Apartments (Promoted)

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Get to know The Bradley and it will get to know you!

The Bradley is a brand new apartment community in Old Town Alexandria that promises “Life on a First Name Basis.”

Residences at The Bradley feature stylish and unique amenities just steps from the Metro and a few blocks from King Street. You don’t have to miss any of the excitement happening in Old Town and with the Metro at your fingertips, you can explore the D.C. region with ease.

The Bradley has an active social calendar and residents can enjoy plenty of events and activities within the community

At the Tastemakers Reception shortly after the building opened, residents enjoyed gourmet appetizers and voted on a signature wine for the year. July brought a pool party and cookout hosted on the sundeck of the pool; neighbors relaxed while enjoying freshly grilled food cooked by the leasing team. In August, a free Yappy Hour featured a pet photo booth, raffles and food for pets (and people, too).

In September there are plans to have a shelter volunteer day, where residents and staff will volunteer together at Carpenter’s Shelter, one of Alexandria’s longest operating homeless prevention shelters.

It’s not just the community and amenities that are worth noting. The apartments themselves will inspire you with floor-to-ceiling windows, plank flooring, gourmet kitchens and more. Without leaving the comfort of the building, residents can host parties, stay active and get stuff done — there are extensive entertaining areas, including the private roof, a fitness center with yoga studio and complimentary Wi-Fi in all common areas.

To meet The Bradley and start living on a first-name basis, visit BradleyApts.com or call (703) 337-0289, and ask about how you can live rent free for 2 months! (Offers are subject to availability and may change without notice.)

This post was sponsored by The Bradley Apartments.

County Considering Partnership With Alexandria to Build Aquatics Center

By Heather Mongilio

Renderings of the future Long Bridge Park Aquatics, Health & Fitness Facility

Arlington County is asking for public input on a possible partnership with Alexandria to build the proposed Aquatics, Health and Fitness Facility in Long Bridge Park, near Crystal City.

The county will reach out to residents this fall to see what they would like to see in an aquatic and fitness facility. Alexandria will also be surveying its residents.

If interests in both counties line up, the two will start to discuss costs and responsibility for the development of the pools and fitness area. The border between Alexandria and Arlington is roughly three miles from Long Bridge Park.

The possible partnership is the county’s latest plan to find the funds it needs to complete the second phase of the Long Bridge Park Project Plan.

“If the synergy is there, and both communities are interested, we will explore this further,” County Board Chair Mary Hynes said in a statement. “Partnerships are just one of the many creative ways we are approaching the development of our facilities and programs.”

Phase Two includes building the aquatic and fitness facility, connecting an esplanade in Long Bridge Park to the building and the creation of public areas, trails, public art, walkways and signs for the park, according to the 2013 Long Bridge Park Master Plan.

The county has been planning a redesign of Long Bridge Park for more than 10 years, with the first phase completed in 2011. Higher-than-expected construction bids and operating costs prevented the county from choosing a contractor to complete phase two, pausing the project in 2014.

Once completed, the aquatic and fitness facility is planned to have a 50-meter pool for recreational, fitness and competitive swimming. There will also be a smaller pool for exercise and recreational program, a small hot-water therapy pool and a free-form water play area that will include a lazy river and slides, according to a 2013 design plan for the facility.

In addition to the aquatic elements, the facility will have a large fitness area and a community room, according to the plan. A “Multiple Activity Center,” which will have a climbing wall, a large indoor fitness space and an elevated track, is also planned.

The plans may change based on feedback from residents, Hynes said. The County Manager is scheduled to present recommendations to the County Board in January 2016.

“A lot has changed since that building was designed,” Hynes said. “The economy has changed. Many things in the region are different.”

While the county is waiting on the aquatic and fitness facility, it will continue to make improvements to the park. In June, the County Board unanimously approved the construction of playgrounds on the south end of the park. The $1.082 million contract includes play areas with cooling “fog” systems, tunnels, play structures, bridges, benches and fencing.

Photos via Arlington County

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

"Having fun with water at Penrose Square" (Flickr pool photo by Airamangel)

Gun Store Owner Blames Bloomberg — James Gates, the Marine Corps veteran who tried to open a gun store in Cherrydale, said that the cancellation of its lease after a neighborhood outcry was the fault of the former mayor of New York City. “When news of our planned location in Arlington became public, there were some local critics; however they enjoyed outsized influence when anti-civil rights campaigns backed by billionaire Michael Bloomberg picked up their cause,” Gates said in a statement. [Washington Times]

Bee Swarm at Arlington Home — Hundreds, maybe thousands of honey bees have taken up residence in the chimney of an Arlington home. The homeowner called ABC 7 On Your Side after beekeepers wouldn’t help her out, because the chimney was too high, and after learning that it’s against the law to kill the bees with pesticides. “It seems as a homeowner the bees have more of a right to live in my home than I do,” said Alex Casiano. “While I understand honey bees are important to our environment, honey bees don’t pay my rent.” [WJLA]

Salary Boost for Acting County Manager — Three weeks into the job, Acting County County Manager Mark Schwartz is getting a modest raise. The County Board agreed to boost his $204,000 salary as a Deputy County Manager by 10 percent during his time as Acting County Manager. His predecessor, Barbara Donnellan, earned $269,742 per year. [Arlington County]

Alexandria Wants Citywide Residential Fiber — Alexandria is seeking a partner to build a citywide fiber optic network to serve homes and businesses. Alexandria’s request for fiber after Verizon abandoned plans to build out FiOS service in the city. Arlington County has built its own municipal fiber network, but it so far is only available to county government, schools and businesses. [Ars Technica]

Falls Church Paper Throws Shade at Arlington — McLean residents are stymying the City of Falls Church’s plan to renovate a city elementary that’s located in Fairfax County. That, however, is being used by a newspaper to make some serious insinuations about Arlington. “The main way the City of Falls Church pisses off its much bigger neighbors is by being successful,” writes the Falls Church News-Press in an editorial. “It really frustrates those who imagine that there could be a lot of money to be made by someone, not in Falls Church, if the City threw its hands in the air and abandoned its independence, becoming a drop-in-the-bucket neighborhood of either Fairfax or Arlington instead. People with big money who’ve spent a lot of it on cultivating political appointees or elected officials to do their bidding in the neighboring jurisdictions are angered by the fact they don’t own Falls Church officials in the same way.” [Falls Church News-Press]

Flickr pool photo by Airamangel

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