Rosslyn

Arlington and VDOT to finally sign Rosslyn Gateway Park agreement, four decades belated

By Matt Blitz
1/8

Nearly 40 years later, Rosslyn’s Gateway Park may finally officially become Arlington County’s responsibility.

This weekend, the County Board is set to vote on approving a land use permit between the Virginia Department of Transportation and the county formally allowing Arlington the use of Gateway Park. The agreement also pushes the responsibility of maintaining the park to the county.

Additionally, the permit grants the county the ability to change the park’s name.

An approval would mark the end of a decades-long period where there was no written agreement in place between VDOT and the county in regards to the operation and maintenance of the public park along Langston Blvd.

In 1984, VDOT and the Federal Highway Administration agreed to build an urban park between N. Nash Street and Lynn Street as a way to mitigate the impacts of constructing I-66 through Rosslyn.

At that time, an agreement was struck between VDOT and the county which called for the Commonwealth to construct the park and pedestrian bridge, with Arlington reimbursing VDOT for adding benches, bike racks, drinking fountains, and pay phones.

Rosslyn Gateway Park (via Google Maps)

The county and VDOT also committed to signing a 99-year lease that put Arlington in charge of maintaining the park, including the pedestrian bridges, concrete structures, landscaping, facilities, and utilities. The remaining details were to be negotiated and it was expected the lease was going to be brought to the County Board for approval in 1986.

That never happened, according to last month’s county report, and it’s unclear why.

“Despite more than 20 years of on-again, off-again discussions and negotiations, the terms of a 99-year lease were never agreed to and no lease has ever been signed by VDOT and the County,” reads the report.

Despite this, over the last 37 years Arlington has continued to operate and perform routine maintenance at Gateway Park even without a signed, written agreement.

That’s expected to change come this weekend, but in a slightly different form than initially outlined back in the 1980s.

That’s because, in 2015, Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring determined that VDOT didn’t have the authority to lease the park to the county. Rather, a land use permit was the only mechanism available to provide Arlington access and use of the public park.

Six years later, that agreement is finally ready to be approved by the County Board.

(more…)

Holiday markets, events and lights are bringing joy to Arlington over next two weekends

By Matt Blitz
Snow falls on the Christmas tree in front of 1100 Wilson Blvd in Rosslyn, in 2020 (Staff Photo by Jay Westcott)

The holiday spirit is alive and well in Arlington, with a number of markets and events planned over the next couple of weeks.

First up is Rosslyn’s holiday market, set for this Friday and Saturday (Dec. 10-11) at 1800 N. Lynn Street. Friday night will feature a celebration for the dogs of Rosslyn, including giveaways for the pups as well as a chance for your canine to take photos with Santa Claus. Saturday will feature a family-friendly performance at Synetic Theater and photos with Santa Claus.

There will also be food, free hot chocolate, and a dozen vendors.

After that, the first annual Ballston Holiday Wreath Market is taking place next Friday and Saturday (Dec. 17-18) at the corner of Wilson Blvd and N. Stuart Street.

Organized by the Ballston BID, the two-day event will include a pop-up outdoor bar, live music from the Arlington Children’s Chorus, a cello performance from local TikTok personality Andrew Savoia, a light art projection from Robin Bell, Santa Claus selfies, and holiday wreaths for sale.

Proceeds from the wreath sales will go towards local nonprofits including Bridges to Independence, Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing, Culpepper Garden, Doorways for Women and Families, and The Sycamore School. Wreaths can be ordered in advance online for pick-up at the market.

Arlington County Police Department’s toy-collecting cruiser will also be there on Saturday, ready to receive wrapped gifts that will be donated to area kids.

Performing at 5 p.m. on Friday, 25-year-old Ballston resident Andrew Savoia became gained social media notability last year with his cello covers of modern pop songs. Washingtonian described his music as “Cardi B meets Beethoven.”

Robin Bell’s light art show will be projected onto the Ballston Macy’s storefront, described as a “celebration of holidays around the world.” Bell is known for sometimes politically charged and profound art projections. He previously projected a beach scene in Ballston in 2020. Bell’s holiday illumination will be displayed from 7-9 p.m. each night.

The outdoor bar will include warm beverages, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic hot chocolate, a “mistletoe spice cocktail,” beer, and wine. The hope is that the Ballston Wreath Market will become an annual Arlington tradition, a spokesperson tells ARLnow.

The National Landing BID, meanwhile, is hosting two events over the next couple of weekends, including a holiday market and a peppermint mocha latte competition.

The latte competition is taking place this Sunday morning (Dec. 12), starting at 11 a.m., outside of 2121 Crystal Drive. It will feature seasonal drinks from Commonwealth Joe, The Freshman, and Origin Coffee Lab & Kitchen. Attendees will be able to sample minty creations from each neighborhood coffee shop and vote on their favorite. The event is free.

The next weekend, on Friday and Saturday (Dec. 17-18), the BID is holding a holiday market outside of 2121 Crystal Drive, with an assortment of live music, shopping, and food.

Friday night’s market will feature music from Laygod, a self-described “cult-fiction rock n roll band,” and Nicaraguan musician Pedro Night. Playing Saturday’s market is Jerel Crockett. More than 25 vendors are expected to offer their wares.

In addition to the events, there are a number of light displays in Crystal City. At Long Bridge Park, more than 6,000 white and blue lights are twinkling along the nearly-mile walk along Long Bridge Park Esplanade overlooking the Potomac River. At Gateway Green, the former location of Summer House at 101 12th Street S., “an immersive winter lights art installation” is ongoing through the holiday season.

Can’t get enough Christmas? Other local holiday events can be found in our Arlington event calendar.

Parked, unlocked car with key left inside stolen near Rosslyn Metro station

By ARLnow.com
Restaurants on the 1800 block of N. Moore Street (via Google Maps)

An opportunistic thief stole a car that was left parked and unlocked, with the key in the ignition, near the Rosslyn Metro station last night, police say.

It happened around 9:45 p.m. Wednesday, on the 1800 block of N. Moore Street. The crime was initially reported as a carjacking, and a description of the vehicle was broadcast to other local police departments, but officers later determined that the car was simply driven off and not taken forcibly.

The driver of the car was reportedly inside a restaurant — the block includes a McDonald’s, Bethesda Bagels, Nando’s Peri-Peri, and Happy Eatery (recently renamed after formerly being called Happy Endings Eatery) — when the theft occurred.

More from an Arlington County Police Department crime report:

GRAND LARCENY AUTO, 2021-12010223, 1800 block of N. Moore Street. At approximately 9:43 p.m. on December 1, police were dispatched to the report of a stolen vehicle. The investigation determined that at approximately 9:40 p.m., the victim parked his vehicle and left it unlocked with the key in the ignition and entered a restaurant. While inside, a witness observed the suspect enter the vehicle and drive away. The vehicle is described as a 2003 Silver Toyota Matrix XR with Maryland license plate 1DB6405. There is no suspect description. The investigation is ongoing.

Photo via Google Maps. Hat tip to Alan Henney.

ACPD: Officers assaulted by drunk men in Rosslyn, Crystal City and Pentagon City

By ARLnow.com

(Updatedat at 1:40 p.m.) The Thanksgiving weekend was not much of a holiday for Arlington County police.

In two separate incidents in Rosslyn and Pentagon City, on Thursday and Friday respectively, drunk men allegedly bit and assaulted ACPD officers.

The first incident, just before noon on Thanksgiving, took place on the 1500 block of Wilson Blvd, the same block as the Target store. An intoxicated man who was making threats inside an unspecified business was taken into custody and proceeded to kick and try bite officers, according to police. He also declined to identify himself and police still do not know his name.

On Friday night, police faced off with another intoxicated man, this time in the area of the Pentagon City mall. The 26-year-old Maryland resident allegedly bit and spat at officers after being taken into custody for refusing to leave a closed business.

More details from an ACPD crime report:

ASSAULT & BATTERY ON POLICE, 2021-11250093, 1500 block of Wilson Boulevard. At approximately 11:51 a.m. on November 25, an officer on patrol was flagged down by employees of a business for the report of a suspect allegedly making threats. A lookout was broadcast, and, while en route to the call, another officer observed the suspect nearby and detained the visibly intoxicated individual. Employees of the business declined prosecution for the threats and wished to have him banned from the premises; however, the suspect was placed under arrest for being drunk in public. When officers attempted to search the suspect incident to arrest, he actively resisted, kicking an officer and their patrol vehicle. The suspect then attempted to bite an officer multiple times as he wrapped his legs around them and continued to actively resist. Officers attempted to continue to search the suspect on the ground, and he continued to resist by kicking and flailing, striking an officer and causing a laceration. The suspect refused to identify himself and attempts to determine his identity were unsuccessful. John Doe was arrested and charged with Assault and Battery on Law Enforcement (x2), Obstruction of Justice, and Drunk in Public, and held on no bond.

ASSAULT & BATTERY ON POLICE, 2021-11260168, 1100 block of S. Hayes Street. At approximately 10:16 p.m. on November 26, police were dispatched to assist with the removal of an intoxicated individual inside a closed business. Upon arrival, officers made contact with the individual and attempted to have him leave the property. The individual was uncooperative and as the officers attempted to place him into custody, he ran and fell a short distance away. Once in custody, the individual continued to act disorderly and spat at the officers. While being transported to an area hospital for medical clearance prior to booking, he bit an officer’s finger. Upon arrival at booking, he refused to exit the transport vehicle and had to be carried inside. [The suspect], 26, of Landover, MD, was arrested and charged with Assault on Police (x2), Obstruction, Drunk in Public and served with an outstanding warrant out of Fairfax County, VA.

Separately, police said in a crime report today that an intoxicated suspect arrested in Crystal City on Monday evening kicked officers.

ASSAULT & BATTERY, 2021-11290183, 3500 block of S. Ball Street. At approximately 5:00 p.m. on November 29, police were dispatched to the report of a dispute. Upon arrival inside the residential building, officers made contact with the male suspect and attempted to detain him but he began acting disorderly and actively resisted arrest. A brief struggle ensued, during which the suspect was taken into custody; however, he continued to act disorderly and kicked one of the officers. The investigation determined that the female victim was with the suspect when she heard him allegedly make threats to harm her while on the phone with another individual. During the course of the investigation, the suspect provided officers what was later determined to be a false identity. [The suspect], 28, of Forestville, Md., was arrested and charged with Drunk in Public, Threatening Language Over a Phone, Obstruction of Justice, Assault & Battery on Police, and Identity Theft.

A new &pizza is now open in Rosslyn

By Matt Blitz
&pizza in Rosslyn (staff photo by Matt Blitz)

A new &pizza location is now open in Rosslyn.

The newest Arlington location of the fast-casual pizza eatery, first reported in May, opened yesterday (Monday) at 1800 N. Lynn Street. It replaces Little Beet, which closed in September 2020, and marks &pizza’s 12th Northern Virginia location.

“With 58 shops, including 12 in northern Virginia, Rosslyn felt like the perfect location to expand our local footprint,” an &pizza spokesperson tells ARLnow. “At our Friends & Family event on Sunday 11/14, we were overwhelmed by the support of the Rosslyn community, serving up more than 600 free pies to local residents.”

Other locations in and around Arlington include Ballston, Seven Corners, and at Reagan National Airport.

Balloons encircled the entrance of the eatery yesterday, marking the opening.

The locally based pizza chain is known for its customizability, letting customers choose from a wide variety of toppings, as well as various sauce, cheese and crust options. The pizza is then cooked assembly-line style as you stand in line.

The first &pizza opened in D.C. on H Street NE in 2012 and, in less than a decade, has expanded to nearly 60 locations from Virginia to New York. There are potentially a lot more on the way.

Inca Social expected to open in Rosslyn next month

By Matt Blitz
1/2

Inca Social expects to start serving modern Peruvian cuisine on Wilson Blvd by December 21, though there will be a free preview this weekend.

The Peruvian restaurant and bar is looking to open its Rosslyn location by late December, co-owner Fito Garcia confirmed to ARLnow. It originally hoped to open in late October, but supply chain issues and a slight miscommunication pushed it by a couple of months.

The free preview will take place this Saturday from 12-4 p.m. on the restaurant’s outdoor patio, featuring tastings, music, dancing, and an appearance from a llama.

Inca Social is moving into the former Kona Bar and Grill space at 1776 Wilson Blvd, which rolled out of Arlington in April 2019.

Garcia is also co-owner of Courthaus Social on Clarendon Blvd in Courthouse, which opened in 2015. He tells ARLnow that they’ve always wanted to bring Inca Social to Arlington.

“I’m a big fan of Arlington and we were looking at multiple spots,” Garcia says. “We are very picky about what we want.”

The 7,600-foot restaurant will serve cocktails, empanadas, ceviche, and other Peruvian favorites. There will also be a focus on Nikkei cuisine, a fusion of Japanese and Peruvian, including sushi and ceviche, that’s becoming popular in Peru, says Garcia.

The menu will differ slightly from the original Vienna, Va. location in that it will highlight more modern cuisine.

“What’s blowing up in Peru is what you are going to find here,” he says.

There will be a large indoor bar with windows that serve the outdoor patio, Garcia notes. The bar will specialize in serving pisco sours.

There will also be a to-go market where customers can purchase a ceviche kit which will include bottles of Inca Social’s leche de tigre marinade, Eater previously reported.

The interior of the restaurant pays homage to Machu Picchu, the 15th-century citadel in the Andes mountains of Peru, and will feature a wall of moss, says Garcia. There may eventually be a projection screen outside, if the owners are successful in obtaining a permit.

The restaurant is currently hiring and recently held an interview open house. Inca Social’s first location near the Dunn-Loring Metro station opened in early 2019.

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Grand Opening for Big Rosslyn Development — “Real estate developer Penzance welcomed Arlington County officials to the grand opening of The Highlands, a mixed-use project in Rosslyn at the top of the hill on Wilson Boulevard. The Highlands, a 1.2-million-square-foot development, consists of three high-rise residences — named Pierce, Aubrey and Evo — with views of the D.C. area and several amenities. ‘We’re proud to be here today welcoming these 890 new residences, exciting retailers, Fire Station 10 and the beautiful Rosslyn Highlands Park.'” [Patch]

Reward Boosted in Ballston Murder Case — “The Ratigan family is announcing an increase in their reward fund from $25,000 to $50,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction of the suspect(s) responsible for Scott Ratigan’s homicide on January 17, 2020. Detectives continue to follow-up on any and all investigative leads in this case and remind the public that any information, regardless of how small it may seem, could be the tip that leads to justice on behalf of Scott and the Ratigan family.” [ACPD]

Retired Police K-9 Dies — “With great sadness, ACPD announces the passing of retired K9 Drago, a 14 year-old old German Shepard, Belgian Malinois mix. He loyally served Arlington from 2008 to 2019 as a patrol and narcotics detection K9. We kindly ask that you keep him and his handler in your thoughts.” [Twitter]

APS Getting Ready for Kid Vax Approval — “APS continues to work with the County on plans for rolling out the COVID-19 vaccine to students ages 5-11 once it is approved, which we anticipate very soon. Once approved, we will inform the community about the availability of doses and how to schedule appointments. Arlington County Public Health anticipates holding clinics and scheduling vaccinations by appointment, hopefully by mid-November. We will keep families informed as new information is received.” [Arlington Public Schools]

Man Seen Stealing GOP Signs — “We’ve received reports of stolen yard signs, and — while we appreciate your updates — almost none of those are actionable because the tipsters don’t provide us any physical/visual evidence. But kudos to one resourceful sleuth, who provided us with these fairly clear photos of a guy taking down Youngkin signs in Arlington last night.” [Arlington GOP, Twitter]

In Defense of Audrey’s Age Answer — “Apparently what happened is that the paper wanted candidates to fill out online questionnaires, and the computerized program didn’t allow respondents to skip the ‘age’ question. So Clement wrote in a younger figure as something of a protest in requiring candidates to answer a question she feels is inappropriate. From this, the Post tried to make a big deal. Turns out the Posties, as is often the case, missed the context. Clement wasn’t lying to them, as they contend. She was f*cking with them. A big difference.” [Sun Gazette]

Arlington Artist Performs on NPR — From National Public Radio: “The Tiny Desk is back… sort of. The first concert recorded at Bob Boilen’s desk since March 2020 is 2021 Tiny Desk Contest winner Neffy!” [Twitter]

It’s Thursday — Today will be partly sunny, with a high near 65, getting progressively cloudier throughout the day. Sunrise at 7:31 a.m. and sunset at 6:11 p.m. Tomorrow (Friday) will be rainy and windy, with storms and flooding possible. Expect a high near 63.

Sandwich shop Jimmy John’s is suddenly gone in Rosslyn

By Matt Blitz
Jimmy John’s in Rosslyn is now closed (Staff photo by Matt Blitz)

Jimmy John’s in Rosslyn has made its last sandwich.

The chain’s location at 1512 Clarendon Blvd in Rosslyn has permanently closed, the franchise owners tell ARLnow.

“Sales simply never recovered after the pandemic,” writes Jessica Manning, who owned the shop along with her father and her husband. “It was a difficult and incredibly emotional decision for us.”

Its last day was September 28, closing after lunch. The family also own the Jimmy John’s in Ballston on N. Quincy Street as well as a location in Woodbridge, Virginia. Both remain open.

Manning says that they were able to find all of their Rosslyn employees other jobs.

“Everyone is healthy and we were able to get all staff members another job immediately so that’s really all that matters,” she writes.

Rappaport Company, which is offering the retail space for lease, tells ARLnow that the space formerly occupied by Jimmy John’s is available and they “are actively marketing the space for lease.”

Jimmy John’s on Clarendon Blvd first opened in 2013, more than eight years ago, in what was then the new-Sedona Slate apartment complex.

That block of Clarendon Blvd has seen a number of openings and closings. Most recently, in 2020, barre fitness studio LavaBarre closed, with dog daycare Playful Pack taking its place this summer.

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com
Rosslyn skyline, with Tysons in the background (Flickr pool photo by Kevin Wolf)

Update on Shirlington Area Shooting — “At approximately 9:40 a.m., police were dispatched to the report of a shooting in the 4400 block of 31st Street S. Upon arrival, it was determined that the suspect approached the area in a vehicle, exited and fired shots towards two individuals sitting outside a residential building. The suspect then reentered the vehicle and fled the scene. No injuries were reported.” [ACPD]

Passenger Recounts Metro Derailment — From NBC 4’s Adam Tuss: “EXCLUSIVE — we talk to a passenger tonight who was on last week’s derailed Blue Line Metro train. Noelle Purcell says there was smoke, no communication, and she didn’t know if she was going to make it out.” [Twitter, Twitter]

Beyer Pushes for More Buses — From WAMU’s Jordan Pascale: “Rep. Don Beyer out with a statement telling WMATA to ‘maximize bus service’ as 7000-series sidelined for an undetermined amount of time… Metro says no go on bus increase, ‘all of our available operators and buses are already in service.'” [Twitter]

New Restaurant in Pentagon City –“The Ritz-Carlton hotel in Pentagon City has revamped its restaurant as a Mediterranean place that serves modern meze, small pours of glamorous Napa wines, and an espresso martini built with a brand of chocolate rum owned by Bruno Mars. Santé opened over the weekend at 1250 S. Hayes Street in Arlington, Virginia, for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner.” [Eater]

Unusual Protest Outside DEA — “A group called ‘Anonymous Apes’ placed a nine-foot monolith outside the Drug Enforcement Administration’s headquarters in Arlington, Virginia. The protest was staged by criminal justice and drug policy reform activists dressed in ape costumes who wanted to decry the DEA for preventing ‘research into the therapeutic uses of many natural plants and substances,’ the activists said to the District of Columbia Marijuana Justice Organization in a press release.” [NBC 4]

Spotted: Wienermobile — Arlington motorcycle officers spotted the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile while on patrol yesterday. [Twitter]

Howl-O-Ween in Rosslyn — “The Rosslyn BID and the Rosslyn Dog Owners Group (R-DOGS) are teaming up for a Halloween themed evening of dog-friendly activities, treats and fun in celebration of Rosslyn’s new Interim Dog Park at Gateway Park West! Beginning at 3 p.m. on Friday, October 22, Rosslyn’s pet community is invited to enjoy local pet-themed vendors, speakers, a social media dog costume contest and giveaways.” [Rosslyn BID]

It’s Thursday — ☀️ Today will be sunny and just about perfect, with a high near 77. Calm wind becoming south 5 to 9 mph in the afternoon. Sunrise at 7:24 a.m. and sunset at 6:21 p.m. Tomorrow will be cooler and partly sunny, with a high near 69.

Flickr pool photo by Kevin Wolf

JUST IN: Person seriously injured in Rosslyn crash

By ARLnow.com

(Updated at 9:30 p.m.) A person suffered serious injuries in what’s being described by police as a single-vehicle crash in Rosslyn.

The incident happened around 6:30 p.m. at the intersection of Wilson Blvd and N. Oak Street, near the Target store. Traffic camera footage posted on Twitter, below, shows medics attending to the injured person on the sidewalk.

Police and a tow truck were still on the scene as of 7:20 p.m.

We’re told that the incident was initially described to first responders as a parked vehicle that rolled backward and struck a woman, possibly its driver, and caused a serious leg injury. Those details could not be immediately confirmed, though police did describe the victim as the vehicle’s driver.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2_e2yW5Wbg

Hat tip to Alan Henney

DEVELOPING: Bomb squad investigation at State Dept. office in Rosslyn

By ARLnow.com
1/4

Update at 4:40 p.m. — The suspicious package has been cleared and first responders are starting to leave the scene, according to scanner traffic.

Earlier: A U.S. State Department office building in Rosslyn has been evacuated as Arlington’s bomb squad conducts an investigation.

The building at 1801 N. Lynn Street, which include State Department diplomatic security offices, was evacuated shortly after 3:30 p.m. Workers were directed to a plaza across the street from the building.

Arlington County police and firefighters are now investigating what’s initially reported to be a suspicious package inside the building’s parking garage. Police blocked off 19th Street N. as a result of the emergency response, which includes the fire department’s bomb squad unit.

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