May 13, 2011 | ARLnow.com

Published May 13, 2011 at 4:01PM | Updated May 14, 2011 at 2:12PM

Update at 2:10 p.m. on 5/14/11 — The County Board has put off final action on the Westover Beer Garden until Tuesday. It appears that the board is leaning toward approving some sort of live entertainment permit with additional restrictions.

Below are letters from the presidents of four civic associations in favor of a compromise that would allow the Westover Market’s popular beer garden to host live entertainment three days per week. The proposal is up for a vote by the County Board on Saturday.

News

Sewage Plant Contractor Sues Former Employee

By ARLnow.com

Published May 13, 2011 at 2:39PM | Updated May 13, 2011 at 2:56PM

Alberici Contractors Inc. says it did not over-charge Arlington County for its work on the $568 million project as a result of the embezzlement. Instead, the company says that the embezzlement cut into its own profits on the project.

The St. Louis Business Journal reported today that Jeff Oliver, the company’s project director for the sewage plant upgrade and expansion, is being sued for $4.8 million. Alberici says Oliver conspired with two subcontractors to over-bill the company.

News

Moran, McDonnell Ask for Delay in Mark Center Move

By ARLnow.com

Published May 13, 2011 at 12:08PM | Updated May 13, 2011 at 1:27PM

The Base Realignment and Closing Act (BRAC) mandates that the moves take place by September 15, 2011. But Moran is asking Gates to include the Mark Center move among seven BRAC recommendations that the Secretary of Defense will have the authority to delay for up to a year, under a defense funding bill currently making its way through congress.

Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell is also asking for a delay. Earlier this month McDonnell sent a letter to Gates asking for the moves to be delayed while major infrastructure improvements are made to the Seminary Road exit off I-395, which is expected to handle the traffic from thousands of new Mark Center workers.

Around Town

Opening Date Set for New Columbia Pike Giant

By ARLnow.com

Published May 13, 2011 at 10:56AM

An opening date has been set for the new Giant supermarket in the Penrose Square development.

The 60,000 square foot store, located at the corner of Columbia Pike and S. Adams Street, is planning to hold its public grand opening on Friday, June 24.

Opinion

Morning Poll: Chickens in Arlington?

By ARLnow.com

Published May 13, 2011 at 9:45AM

Pike Wire reports that would-be chicken owners are organizing to try to convince the county to allow “small-scale backyard chicken-keeping in Arlington.”

News

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Published May 13, 2011 at 8:53AM

Smoke at Crystal City Metro Station — Firefighters from Arlington, Alexandria and Fort Myer responded to a report of smoke on the mezzanine level of the Crystal City Metro station around 3:30 p.m. yesterday. The smoke, it turns out, came from a faulty elevator belt, not from a fire. Just as quickly as they arrived, firefighters packed up their gear and headed back to their stations.

More Costs for Arlington Energy Plan — It will cost almost $500,000 in consultant fees and staff salaries to implement Arlington’s ambitious Community Energy Plan over the next year. The plan, which is designed to reduce the county’s greenhouse gas emissions, is up for adoption by the County Board on Tuesday. [Sun Gazette]

Traffic

Power Outage Along Lee Highway

By ARLnow.com

Published May 13, 2011 at 8:10AM

A power outage affected about 1,350 Dominion customers along Lee Highway this morning.

The outage created some dangerous conditions where traffic lights were dark or malfunctioning along Lee Highway. Police had to direct traffic at the intersection of Lee Highway and Spout Run.