EXCLUSIVE: Brandon Meriweather Arrested by ACPD
(Updated at 8:35 p.m.) Washington Redskins safety Brandon Meriweather was arrested on suspicion of DWI by Arlington County police early this morning, ARLnow.com has learned exclusively.
Meriweather was initially stopped for speeding on westbound I-66 in the area of N. Ohio Street at 2:54 a.m., according to Arlington County Police spokesman Dustin Sternbeck. Officers detected an odor of alcohol on his breath and performed a field sobriety test, which Meriweather failed, Sternbeck said.
The two-time Pro Bowl strong safety refused a breathalyzer test, was arrested and spent the night in the Arlington County jail, according to Sternbeck. Police say Meriweather claimed he was driving home from a club in D.C., but couldn’t remember the name of the club.
After starting his pro football career with the New England Patriots in 2007, Meriweather spent last season with the Chicago Bears before signing a two year, $6 million contract with the Redskins on March 15, 2012.
Canned Food Structures on Display for Architecture Competition
There’s a lighthouse inside the Ballston mall right now, but it’s probably not what you think. It’s one of the many structures on display made entirely of canned food, all for a good cause.
The American Institute of Architects Northern Virginia Chapter and the Arlington Food Assistance Center have teamed up for the ninth year to present the Canstruction competition. Teams of architects build structures made entirely out of canned food. All the food donations, which typically add up to tens of thousands of pounds, are then donated to AFAC.
Tonight, the winner will be announced at an awards ceremony at Rock Bottom Brewery, starting at 6:00 p.m. The displays will remain intact throughout the mall until 8:00 a.m. on Saturday.
Arlington Responds to Route 1 Transit Controversy
A report that Arlington backed out of an agreement with Alexandria to conduct an environmental assessment for the Route 1 transit corridor project is incorrect, according to a county government spokeswoman.
The two jurisdictions have been cooperating on a transit project that will bring bus rapid transit and, ultimately, a streetcar to the Route 1 corridor of Crystal City and Potomac Yard. But today Connection Newspapers reported that Alexandria officials were upset because Arlington supposedly withdrew from an agreement to pay $2.4 million of the $3.4 million cost of an environmental analysis.
In reality, says Arlington County spokeswoman Mary Curtius, the environmental analysis is currently underway and Arlington County is paying its $1.78 million share of the $3.56 million cost. The Arlington county manager and the Alexandria city manager signed an agreement to split the cost of the analysis in 2010, she said.
At issue, according to Curtius, is an “Alternatives Analysis” that was optional under the agreement.
“Arlington recently informed Alexandria that we do not intend to do an Alternatives Analysis,” Curtius told ARLnow.com. “Such an analysis is required in order to apply for federal small/new starts funding. Arlington does not intend to apply for such funding for Route 1. We are continuing to work with Alexandria on how to proceed in a way that enables Alexandria to apply for federal funding for its part of the transit project, should it choose to do so.”
In an apparent effort to dispute the report about rising tensions between the two jurisdictions, Arlington County Board Chair Mary Hynes and Alexandria Mayor William Euille have issued a joint statement regarding their transit partnership.
Arlington County and the City of Alexandria have been transit partners for more than 35 years. Together, we’ve ensured safe, efficient transit options for hundreds of thousands of people … every day.
Throughout our region’s history, federal and state transportation funding has been the backbone of supporting transit projects. Unfortunately, that landscape has changed dramatically in just the last few years, greatly impacting local transit planning across the country. All of us have to reassess transportation projects, determine how we can fund them, and make some tough strategic decisions.
The City of Alexandria has decided to focus its attention and its funding on the planned infill Metrorail station; this investment will benefit not only the City, but the entire region.
Arlington needs a streetcar system in Crystal City to support development there — and has funding available through a special tax district.
We are both committed to providing more transit options for people who live and work in the Route 1 corridor. Our strategies are not exactly the same at this point in time. We look forward to working together collaboratively as we continue to move people efficiently through our communities and the region.
Turn in Unwanted Prescriptions at Drug Take-Back Day
It’s time again to gather up any old prescriptions lying around the house and turn them in for proper disposal. Saturday is National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day.
Expired and unwanted prescriptions can be brought to sites throughout the county to prevent drug abuse and theft. It’s also an effort to prevent hazards from the improper disposal of these drugs, such as in the trash or flushing down a toilet. The service is free and there are no questions asked.
There are several sites throughout Arlington collecting the drugs from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., in addition to those announced by the Arlington County Police Department last week. Here is the full list:
- Arlington Fire Station #1, 500 S. Glebe Road
- Arlington Fire Station #8, 4845 Lee Highway
- Arlington Fire Station #9, 1900 S. Walter Reed Drive
- Pentagon parking lot, 551 Army Navy Drive
- Ft. Myer Post Exchange, 104 McNair Road
The following site will be operating on Friday, from 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. It will not hold hours on Saturday:
- Arlington Hall Station Building 1, 111 S. George Mason Drive
Police, Fire Departments Holding Career Fair
There will be a career fair on Saturday aimed at anyone interested in working for one of the county’s law enforcement or fire fighting agencies.
Recruiters will be on hand from Arlington County Fire Department, Police Department, Sheriff’s Department and Emergency Communications Center. Candidates can learn about public safety jobs, get information about available positions and sign up for hiring notifications.
There are certain requirements candidates must meet in order to apply. Those interested in jobs with the ECC or fire department must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or G.E.D., and be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Candidates for the sheriff’s department must meet the same requirements, but need to be 20.5 years old. Those interested in police work must be 20.5 years old, must be a U.S. citizen, and must have either 60 college credits or law enforcement or military experience.
The career fair will take place at Washington Lee High School from 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Lane Closures on the Pike Due to Medical Emergency
Columbia Pike is down to one lane in each direction near S. Glebe Road due to a medical emergency.
Initial reports suggest an 82-year-old woman passed out in her car, possibly while waiting for a traffic light. Passersby tried to assist her, but by the time medics arrived she was not breathing and CPR was being performed.
Emergency vehicles are reported to be blocking one lane in each direction on Columbia Pike.
‘Family Fun Day’ to be Held at Bluemont Park
The whole family can enjoy the outdoors on Saturday, during “Family Fun Day” at Bluemont Park.
The Arlington Department of Parks and Recreation is joining up with PBS Kids to provide the event. Activities include art projects, a nature treasure hunt, relay races, moon bounces and bingo. There will also be an opportunity to get up close and personal with live snakes, turtles and lizards.
Families are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy together. There will also be a $3 lunch available for purchase, which includes a hot dog, chips and a drink.
Be sure to watch the weather if you plan on attending, because if there’s inclement weather the event will be cancelled. If it is cancelled, the event will not be rescheduled.
The event runs from 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Timing for each of the activities can be found online. For more information, contact Kevin Clements at 703-228-4729 or kcleme@arlingtonva.us.
Fro.Zen.Yo Moving into Smoothie King Space in Ballston
On Tuesday, we told you that Rosslyn is going to be getting a Fro.Zen.Yo store. Now, we can tell you that Ballston will be getting one as well.
A spokesperson for the frozen yogurt chain confirms that the long rumored Ballston location is going to become a reality. It will move into the old Smoothie King space at 850 N. Randolph Street, across from the Ballston mall.
This location will be owned by former Washington Bullets champion Kevin Grevey. One year ago this month, Grevey became the the very first Fro.Zen.Yo franchisee.
The Ballston location is expected to open sometime in June.
Morning Notes
County Urges Residents to Buy CO Alarms — Arlington County Chief Fire Marshal Daniel Fitch is urging residents to buy, install and maintain carbon monoxide alarms. The recommendation, in the form of a press release, came one day after five people died from carbon monoxide poisoning in Oxon Hill, Md. [Arlington County]
Route 1 Transit Corridor Tension – Arlington and Alexandria are at odds over the proposed transit corridor along Route 1, reports Michael Lee Pope. Arlington has, for some reason, backed off a promise to kick in $2.4 million for an environmental analysis for the project, according to Pope. [Arlington Connection]
United Exempts Foreign Service from New Pet Fees – Rep. Jim Moran is applauding a decision by United Airlines to exempt the cost of transporting pets overseas for the country’s more than 5,000 Foreign Service workers. Last month United announced new charges to transporting pets, but at the time exempted only military personnel. “The policy change could have added thousands of dollars in moving costs to Foreign Service personnel,” Moran’s office said in a press release.
No Drones Over Arlington — Despite a report that the Arlington County Police Department has been cleared by the FAA to operate drone aircraft, the department says they’re drone-free. “The Arlington Police Department cleared is in Arlington, TX,” said department spokesman Dustin Sternbeck. “ACPD has no plans [for] ever using drones.”
