July 9, 2012 | ARLnow.com

Bluemont Residents Form Safeway Task Force

Published July 9, 2012 at 4:35PM

The group is made up of members of the Bluemont Civic Association and aims to educate community members about the proposed development. Members say they want to ensure that the Bluemont community is able to help shape future changes at the Safeway site at 5101 Wilson Blvd.

Earlier this year, Safeway began soliciting bids from developers who may be interested in building a new grocery store, with residential property above it. The building would take up the entire block of Wilson Blvd from N. Frederick Street to N. Edison Street.

News

Firefighters Battle Attic Fires in Fairlington

By ARLnow.com

Published July 9, 2012 at 3:45PM

We hear that lightning from last night’s storms most likely sparked the fires, though as of this afternoon an Arlington County Fire Department spokesman was unable to confirm any details about the cause.

ACFD spokesman Capt. Gregg Karl did reveal, however, that there was “significant damage to both attic areas.”

News

Retired ACPD K-9 Passes Away

By Katie Pyzyk

Published July 9, 2012 at 3:00PM

Lobo worked for the ACPD beginning in 2004, and retired this past spring. Lobo had worked as a patrol dog and as an Explosive Ordinance Detection K-9, with his partner Corporal Tom Binckley. He successfully certified with the United States Police Canine Association in those two disciplines, and had been used as a tracker on numerous occasions.

During his seven years of service, Lobo also worked to keep Arlington residents safe at special events, such as the Arlington County Fair (pictured above). He was described as a social dog who enjoyed putting on demonstrations for civic and youth groups.

News

Historic Post Oak Cut Down Due to Storm Damage

By Katie Pyzyk

Published July 9, 2012 at 1:35PM | Updated July 9, 2012 at 5:51PM

An oak tree that has, for centuries, towered over what is now the Westover neighborhood is being cut down today.

The derecho on June 29 irreparably damaged the historic Post Oak, a majestic 93-foot tall tree that likely dates back to the mid-to-late 1700s. The county decided that the tree, believed to be the oldest in Arlington, had to be removed for the safety of residents.

News

Service Updates from Dominion, Verizon

By Katie Pyzyk

Published July 9, 2012 at 12:25PM | Updated July 9, 2012 at 12:46PM

The Dominion outage website showed around 100 customers without power as of 8:00 a.m., but those now appear to have been fixed.

Verizon, meanwhile, reports significant progress on restoring service to its TV, internet and phone customers who were affected by the June 29 storm. A Verizon spokesman said technicians worked extended shifts over the weekend and service levels are nearly back to a normal level today.

Events

Arlingtonians Make Their Mark on Fringe Festival

By Katie Pyzyk

Published July 9, 2012 at 10:55AM

‘R.U.X. (Rockwell’s Universal seXbots)‘ debuted last year during a fundraising event at the Ballston Mall. It tells the story of a man’s desire to revamp his father’s company with a new business plan — selling sex robots. The playwright, Maurice Martin, is a 20-year resident of Arlington. The show, which is not recommended for children, premieres at Fringe on Friday, July 13.

The director of ‘Never Mind the Bollocks, Here’s a Midsummer Night’s Dream,’ along with most of the cast and crew, hails from Arlington. The show is a punk rock interpretation of a Shakespeare classic. It begins on Friday, July 13, and is recommended for ages 13 and up.

News

Sunday Storms Flood Long Bridge Drive

By Katie Pyzyk

Published July 9, 2012 at 9:45AM

Although Sunday’s storms didn’t cause the widespread damage Arlington experienced from the June 29 “derecho” storm, the effects are still being felt in parts of the county.

Long Bridge Drive between S. 12th Street and I-395 is completely closed due to flooding. The parking lot at Long Bridge Park is also blocked.

News

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Published July 9, 2012 at 8:45AM

Plane at DCA Sinks into Tarmac — It was so hot Friday that a US Airways flight got stuck in some heat-softened pavement while taxi-ing to the runway. [Washington Post]

Vote Set on Pike Streetcar Plan — On July 21 the Arlington County Board is scheduled to vote on whether to proceed with plans to build a streetcar or add enhanced bus service along Columbia Pike. The Board is expected to formally sanction the streetcar plan, then apply for federal funding. [Sun Gazette]