February 27, 2013 | ARLnow.com

Moran to Host Gun Violence Forum

Published February 27, 2013 at 5:00PM | Updated February 27, 2013 at 6:06PM

The forum, titled “Preventing Another Newtown: A Conversation on Gun Violence in America,” will feature a panel of experts on gun policy, public safety and mental health issues.

The following guests are slated to attend: Omar Samaha with the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence, retired ATF Special Agent David Chipman, Josh Horwitz with the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence, City of Alexandria Police Chief Earl Cook, Jonathan Lowy of the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence and former counsel for the Senate Judiciary Committee Karen Marangi.

Around Town

Fast, Casual Thai Restaurant Coming to Rosslyn

By Katie Pyzyk

Published February 27, 2013 at 3:45PM | Updated February 27, 2013 at 4:10PM

The owners of T.H.A.I. in Shirlington are launching a restaurant called Tom Yum District at 1515 Wilson Blvd., which will focus on on fast, made to order dishes. Co-owner Aulie Bunyarataphan and her husband Mel Oursinsiri have been planning this for some time.

“We are very excited about this one. We have been working on this concept for more than two years,” said Bunyarataphan. “It’s the first Thai restaurant around in this format.”

News

Study: Higher Pay for Arlington Workers with Clearance

By Katie Pyzyk

Published February 27, 2013 at 3:00PM | Updated February 27, 2013 at 3:30PM

According to a study by ClearanceJobs.com, security-cleared professionals across the country experienced a three percent drop in compensation in 2012, with total compensation averaging nearly $88,500. Arlington bucked the nationwide trend and instead experienced a three percent increase, bringing average total compensation to more than $106,100.

The study states, “The compensation gulf between those in the D.C.-metro area and other parts of the U.S. is widening.”

News

Apartment Development Approval Deferred

By Katie Pyzyk

Published February 27, 2013 at 1:50PM | Updated February 27, 2013 at 8:38PM

Bozzuto Development Company had submitted a proposal for a large scale project in the 1600 block of N. 16th Street. It would involve redeveloping the five buildings that make up Pierce Queen Apartments; three of the buildings would be razed and replaced with a new 12-story apartment tower, and the other two buildings would be preserved and renovated. In total, the buildings would house more than 190 units.

The county’s Site Plan Review Committee raised several issues with the proposal during a January meeting. Problem areas included the proposed building bulk, lack of open space, above-grade parking, proposed locations of electrical switchboxes and the lack of a public art contribution. Additionally, concerns arose regarding the applicant’s request for Affordable Housing Investment Funds (AHIF) for the 76 affordable units and the anticipated request for competitive Low Income Housing Tax Credits from the Virginia Housing Development Authority (VHDA).

News

Forecast: Tysons Won’t Trump Arlington

By ARLnow.com

Published February 27, 2013 at 12:05PM

(Updated at 12:15 p.m.) BRAC and federal cuts are a drag on Arlington’s real estate market, but Tysons Corner will not be as competitive as some in the county fear, according to Arlington Economic Development (AED).

The county agency gave its annual real estate market review and forecast to a group of developers, property owners and local leaders on Monday. This year’s presentation was titled “Silver Line-ings,” after the new Metro line that is expected to open within a year and bring increased economic development to Tysons.

Feature

Arlington Pet of the Week: Hathor

By ARLnow.com

Published February 27, 2013 at 11:00AM

It’s no coincidence this playful hedgehog shares a name with the Egyptian goddess of joy and love. Meet our Arlington Pet of the Week, Hathor, a playful African Pygmy Hedgehog living in Crystal City.

Here’s what Hathor’s owner had to say about her:

News

DCA Metro Station Closed This Weekend

By Katie Pyzyk

Published February 27, 2013 at 9:55AM | Updated June 29, 2018 at 2:49PM

WMATA reports the closure is for NTSB-recommended track circuit module replacement, rail joint elimination, tie renewal and other various track improvements.

Both Blue and Yellow Line trains will operate in two segments. Blue Line trains will run between Crystal City and Largo Town Center, and between Braddock Road and Franconia-Springfield every 16 minutes from 7:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m., and every 20 minutes from 9:00 p.m. until system closing. Yellow Line trains will run between Crystal City and Mount Vernon Square, and between Braddock Road and Huntington every 16 minutes from 7:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m., and every 20 minutes from 9:00 p.m. until system closing.

News

Morning Notes

By Katie Pyzyk

Published February 27, 2013 at 8:55AM

Rabbit Closing — Just days after telling ARLnow.com he had reduced hours to lunch only, the owner of Rabbit Salad and Grill (3035 Clarendon Blvd) in Clarendon has apparently decided to completely call it quits. The restaurant will close on Friday to make way for Fat Shorty’s, a beer and sausage restaurant. The new restaurant is expected to open in early April. [Washingtonian]

Carlee Becomes Charlotte City Manager — Former Arlington County Manager Ron Carlee has taken a new job as the city manager of Charlotte, NC. Carlee had worked for Arlington County for 29 years, but left in 2009 for a job with the International City/County Management Association. Carlee’s new salary is reported to be $290,000 per year, a 15 percent increase over his predecessor’s salary. [Charlotte Observer]