Firefighter Hospitalized After Electrical Fire in Alexandria
A firefighter from the Reagan National-based Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Fire and Rescue squad was taken to the hospital after he suffered minor injuries battling an electrical fire in Alexandria.
Firefighters from Arlington and workers from Dominion Power also responded to the small blaze on Herbert Street in the Mt. Vernon section of Alexandria. It was sparked when a piece of aluminum siding came off the roof of a townhouse and struck a power line. Witnesses say the loose siding caused a loud electrical “explosion,” which may have started a fire in the attic.
The injured firefighter is expected to be treated and released from the hospital tonight, according to airport spokesperson Courtney Mickalonis.
Police Investigating Threat At Marymount University
Arlington police are investigating a threatening letter sent to an official at Marymount University.
The letter was delivered to the Arlington campus over the Easter holiday but was discovered Wednesday afternoon.
“Our campus safety staff is aware of it, and proper security policies are in place and being followed,” said Shelley Dutton, Vice President of Communications and Marketing for the university. She declined to reveal what sort of threat was made or who it was sent to, citing the ongoing police investigation.
Dutton said she could not recall any previous instances of threats made against university administrators.
Smart Growth In Arlington
In part one of our interview with incoming county manager Michael Brown, the topic of growth and development was raised.
For the past 40 years, Arlington has been practicing transit-oriented “smart growth.” As the population and the local economy continues to grow, a county-sponsored documentary was created to look back at the mistakes and successes of the past.
More recently, a shorter video was released, explaining the planning that has made Arlington what it is today. See the video, after the jump.
Also stay tuned for part two of our interview with Michael Brown, featuring a discussion of taxes and housing, coming up tomorrow.
Crime Down in 2009
Arlington’s violent crime rate fell 8.3 percent in 2009, the Arlington County Police Department announced this afternoon. The overall crime rate dropped by 3.7 percent.
There were four homicides in 2009, compared to two in 2008. There has been one homicide (for which an arrest has been made) so far this year.
There were 15 rapes in 2009, compared to 23 the year prior, a 35 percent decrease
There were 319 burglaries last year, an 18 percent decrease versus 2008.
There were also 297 vehicles reported stolen in 2009. Vehicle theft in Arlington County has not been that low since the early 1960′s.
“This is very good news for our community,” said Arlington County board chairman Jay Fisette. “In these tough economic times, to see a drop in the overall crime rate, and a significant drop in the violent crime rate, is more evidence that Arlington is a safe place to live — and getting safer.”
“Our officers have accomplished a great deal in the past year combating crime in Arlington and receive notable support from the community,” police chief M. Douglas Scott said. “We continue to enjoy a close working relationship with the community to increase awareness and the practice of good crime prevention strategies.”
To Do Tonight: Phoenix Bike Show
Phoenix Bikes, a small not-for-profit bike shop located in Barcroft Park, is holding its third annual bike show tonight.
The event will feature an art show, a silent auction, a raffle for four bikes and various accessories donated by local shops, free food and drinks, and speeches by movers and shakers in the local bike world. Arlington County board chairman and cycling supporter Jay Fisette will serve as the master of ceremonies.
Tickets for the show are $20 online (available until 2:00 p.m.) or $25 at the door, and include two raffle tickets. The proceeds will benefit Phoenix Bikes, which serves the community and youths in South Arlington.
The show is taking place between 7:00 and 9:00 tonight at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (4301 Wilson Blvd) in Ballston.
Arlington Unemployment Rate Edges Up
Arlington’s unemployment rate has risen slightly, but remains the lowest in the state.
In Arlington County, the unemployment rate in February was 4.7 percent, according to statistics released yesterday by the Virginia Employment Commission.
The rate is slightly higher than the 4.6 percent unemployment rate recorded in January, and higher still than the 4.0 and 3.8 percent rates in December and November respectively.
Neighboring Falls Church city had an unemployment rate of 7.3 percent in February. Fairfax County’s rate was 5.5%. Loudoun County and Alexandria city were tied for the second-lowest unemployment rate in Virginia, at 5.4 percent.
The highest unemployment recorded in the state was Martinsville city, at 21.4 percent.
