June 13, 2012 | ARLnow.com

Anti-Streetcar Resolution Narrowly Defeated in County Transit Committee

Published June 13, 2012 at 5:35PM | Updated June 14, 2012 at 12:25PM

The resolution, proposed by committee member Joseph Warren, was ultimately defeated by a vote of 6-5, but not before a spirited debate among committee members. Citing a county-funded alternatives analysis, streetcar opponents on the committee made their case for why enhanced bus service — including higher-capacity articulated buses and a limited number of fixed stops along the Pike between Pentagon City and the Skyline section of Fairfax County — is a better option.

“Articulated bus [is] a practical and far more cost-effective alternative than the modified streetcar,” Warren said in his resolution, which his read aloud.

News

Crime Report: Man Threatens Mall Security With Knife

By ARLnow.com

Published June 13, 2012 at 3:15PM | Updated January 9, 2018 at 3:18PM

In this week’s Arlington County crime report, a man allegedly stole items from a store in the Pentagon City mall, then threatened a security officer with a knife when confronted.

ROBBERY, 06/09/12, 1100 block of S. Hayes Street. On June 9 at 7:45 pm, a subject stole merchandise from a store at the mall and when approached by the loss prevention officer, he fled the scene on foot. After being followed by the loss prevention officer, he threatened him with a knife. Police apprehended the subject a short time later in the mall parking garage. Lonnell Andre Buford, 40, of Washington, DC, was arrested and charged with robbery and possession of burglarious tools. He was held without bond.

Events

Columbia Pike Blues Fest Coming This Saturday

By ARLnow.com

Published June 13, 2012 at 2:00PM

The Blues Fest will feature performances from local and nationally-known blues musicians. There will also be numerous food, drink and craft vendors; kid’s activities; a raffle; and booths set up by local community groups.

Thousands are expected to attend the event, which will be held from 1:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 16, on S. Walter Reed Drive near the intersection with Columbia Pike. Weather for the day is expected to be mostly sunny, with a high of 80 degrees.

News

WJLA Seeking Permission to Replace Jumbotron

By ARLnow.com

Published June 13, 2012 at 12:15PM

June 2012

WJLA is asking the County Board to approve a site plan amendment that would allow the station to install a new high definition screen in place of the existing standard definition Jumbotron. The new screen would be smaller: 164 square feet compared to the current screen’s 172 square feet. It would also have a rectangular 16:9 aspect ratio, as opposed to the more square 4:3 aspect ratio of the current screen.

County staff is recommending the Board approve the new screen, but deny a separate request from WJLA to dedicate a portion of the screen to “commercial sponsor messages” unrelated to the normal WJLA programming.

Around Town

Partying Prompts Memo from Apartment Management

By ARLnow.com

Published June 13, 2012 at 11:00AM | Updated June 13, 2012 at 11:25AM

On Monday, management at the Archstone Ballston Square apartment building (850 N. Randolph Street) sent an email to residents detailing some incidents of excessive partying. The email also reminds residents of rules against tossing objects off balconies and holding drinking game competitions in apartment common areas.

Said the tipster who sent us the memo: “Archstone Ballston Square is turning into quite the frat [house].”

Events

Artisphere to Host Teen-Produced Battle of the Bands

By ARLnow.com

Published June 13, 2012 at 10:15AM | Updated June 13, 2012 at 10:38AM

The show will features eight bands from high schools around the D.C. region, including two from Arlington: New Metro (Yorktown H.S.) and Challenger Deep (Washington-Lee H.S.). Each of the bands in the show writes and performs their own music.

The audience will decide who wins the Battle of the Bands showcase. The winner will receive 32 hours of professional recording time at 4Mile Studios in Arlington.

News

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Published June 13, 2012 at 9:12AM

Old Arlington Remembered — Long-time Arlington resident Judy Downs Tinelli recalls the Arlington of her childhood: Sycamore Street was a stream, her neighbor had a herd of cows, and those in the District considered her dad’s 20 minute commute (from what is now East Falls Church) excessive. [WAMU]

Moran Styrofoam Amendment Fails — A measure proposed by Rep. Jim Moran (D), which would have amended a legislative branch appropriations bill to ban polystyrene foam food and beverage containers from congressional cafeterias, failed in the House on Friday. Moran’s general election opponent, Republican Patrick Murray, issued a statement about Moran’s amendment. “Seriously, Jim?,” Murray asked. “Are you really willing to spend all of your time on Styrofoam instead of creating jobs?” [The Hill]