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Morning Notes

Lunchtime on a warm spring day in Ballston (staff photo)

Yorktown Baseball Coach Fired — “Eight months after being hired as the new head baseball coach at Yorktown High School, Josh Cook has been let go from that position with a bit more than a month remaining in the regular season. A school official confirmed that Cook, a 2013 Yorktown graduate and former varsity player for the Patriots, was dismissed April 9 because of remarks he made during an open-mic comedy routine at a venue that was a non-school and non-team function. Some of those remarks came to light on social media.” [Gazette Leader]

Pentagon Row Sign Removed — “Pretty surreal seeing the @PentagonRow signage coming down after almost 25 years but excited for what’s to come.” The shopping center changed its name to Westpost in 2020. [Twitter]

Home Price Plateau? — “Don’t panic – much – but the average sales price for single-family properties that sold in March across Arlington declined slightly from a year before. The average price of $1,355,179 was down three-quarters of a percent from the $1,365,411 recorded a year earlier, according to figures reported April 10 by Bright MLS.” [Gazette Leader]

Baby Born in Jeep with ACFD Help — From Alan Henney: “Arlington FD assisted with a childbirth in a white Jeep Grand Cherokee. Parents were likely driving to Virginia Hospital Center at 1701 N George Mason Dr., because they were stopped on N George Mason Dr right after the Arlington Blvd overpass.” [Twitter]

Wild Turkey Seen in Rosslyn — “I don’t know where to report this, but there is a wild turkey at the base of the Turnberry Tower and it does not seem to be doing great.” [Twitter]

Shoplifting Suspect Nabbed in D.C.  — “Police are more aggressively targeting suspected thieves. In one instance, according to court documents, officers hid in a CVS store on Capitol Hill and watched as a man stole $33.47 worth of merchandise. Police said the man already had been charged with shoplifting in Arlington County, where authorities had an arrest warrant for him.” [Washington Post]

Winning Start for W-L Soccer Teams — “The Washington-Liberty Generals girls and boys high-school soccer teams began this week with identical 5-1-1 overall records. In Liberty District play, the girls were 1-0 and the boys 0-1.” [Gazette Leader]

Taller, Skinnier Buildings in Rosslyn? — “An already urban environment in Rosslyn could get even more urban-y if a proposed zoning change wins approval from the Arlington County Board. That body on April 20 is set to advertise for a public hearing later in the year for a zoning change that would give elected leaders the power to permit development of properties in the Rosslyn area with a floor-area-ratio (FAR) of greater than 10.” [Gazette Leader]

It’s Tuesday — Expect a mostly sunny day with a high around 75 and a northeast wind at 6 mph, shifting to the south in the afternoon. Tuesday night brings a 40% chance of showers after 2am and a mostly cloudy sky with a low of 56. [NWS]

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ARLnow Daily Debrief for Apr 15, 2024

Good Monday evening, Arlington. Let’s take a look back at today’s stories and a look forward to tomorrow’s event calendar.

🕗 News recap

The following articles were published earlier today — Apr 15, 2024.

📅 Upcoming events

Here is what’s going on Tuesday in Arlington, from our event calendar.

🌤️ Tuesday’s forecast

Expect mostly sunny skies with temperatures reaching around 75 degrees, accompanied by a gentle northeast 6 mph wind, shifting to a southerly direction in the afternoon. For Tuesday night, there’s a 40% chance of showers starting after 2 am, as cloud cover increases and temperatures drop to approximately 56 degrees. The south wind will maintain at around 6 mph. See more from Weather.gov.

💡 Quote of the Day

“You can never plan the future by the past.”
– Edmund Burke

🌅 Tonight’s sunset

The MonumentCam screenshot above is used with permission of the Trust for the National Mall and courtesy of EarthCam.

Thanks for reading! Feel free to discuss the day’s happenings in the comments.

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Listing of the Day: 1201 N. Nash Street #102

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Address: 1201 N. Nash Street #102
Neighborhood: Rosslyn
Type: 2 BR, 2 BA condo — 2,068 sq. ft.
Listed: $1,495,000

Noteworthy: Boutique Luxury at its Finest

Discover boutique luxury at its finest in the prestigious Memorial Overlook Condominiums. This meticulously crafted residence spans 2068 sq. ft., boasting 2 bedrooms, a den, and 2 full baths, exuding sophistication, and charm at every turn.

Upon entering, you’re greeted by a foyer adorned with marble detailing, setting the tone for the grandeur that awaits. The gourmet kitchen beckons with chef grade appliances, custom cabinets, and a wall oven, catering to the most discerning chefs. The expansive living and dining area features a gas fireplace and a bay window offering lovely views of the wooded tree line. Step outside onto the balcony, providing ample space for outdoor entertaining and relaxation. The primary suite, secluded on one side of the condominium, boasts two walk-in closets with custom built-in cabinetry. The luxurious bath features double sinks, a separate makeup vanity, a soaking bath, and a shower, offering a blissful retreat.

On the opposite side, you’ll find the den, second bedroom, and another full bath, providing ample space and privacy for guests or a home office. This residence includes two assigned garage parking spaces and two storage units. Residents enjoy access to on-site management, a dedicated concierge, a state-of-the-art gym, and inviting lounge areas. The condo fee includes gas and hot water.

Conveniently located near iconic landmarks such as the Iwo Jima Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery, as well as vibrant neighborhoods like Georgetown and Downtown D.C., Memorial Overlook offers easy access to Rosslyn Metro and DCA, making city living a breeze.

Take a video tour today!

Listed by:
Sheri Grant — TTR Sotheby’s International Realty
[email protected]
(703) 405-1016

UPDATE: Hail falls on much of Arlington amid Severe Thunderstorm Warning

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Update at 3:40 p.m. — The severe storm for which forecasters issued a warning dropped sizable hail over a large swath of Arlington, from Pentagon City to Ballston to northern residential neighborhoods. While the warning is expiring, the earlier Severe Thunderstorm Watch (below) remains in effect.

More from social media: 

Update at 3 p.m. — A Severe Thunderstorm Warning was just issued for Arlington County as a strong storm packing hail approaches.

From the National Weather Service:

BULLETIN – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
259 PM EDT Mon Apr 15 2024

The National Weather Service in Sterling Virginia has issued a

* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for… The southwestern District of Columbia… Arlington County in northern Virginia… The City of Falls Church in northern Virginia… Northeastern Fairfax County in northern Virginia… The City of Alexandria in northern Virginia…

* Until 345 PM EDT.

* At 258 PM EDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Reston, moving east at 30 mph.

HAZARD…Quarter size hail.

SOURCE…Trained weather spotters.

IMPACT…Some hail damage to agriculture is expected.

* Locations impacted include… Arlington, Alexandria, Reston, Annandale, Vienna, Falls Church, Pimmit Hills, Reagan National Airport, Mclean, Rosslyn, Crystal City, Howard University, Oakton, Lincolnia, Tysons Corner, Wolf Trap, Merrifield, Lake Barcroft, American University, and I66 and I495 Interchange.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building.

Earlier: A Severe Thunderstorm Watch has just been issued, as some strong storms approach Arlington from the northwest.

Arlington, the District and other neighboring counties — as well as points west, south and east — are all covered by the watch, which is in effect until 10 p.m.

The National Weather Service says large hail, frequent lightning, and scattered wind gusts up to 70 mph are possible with the storms that are developing.

The earliest arriving storms can currently be seen on radar, over Loudoun and Montgomery counties.

More, below, from NWS via social media.

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Police break up big teen party in newly built North Arlington house

Police car at night (file photo courtesy Kevin Wolf)

At least nine people are facing underage drinking charges after police broke up a large teen party in northern Arlington.

The incident happened shortly before midnight Saturday on the 3900 block of Military Road, near Fort Ethan Allen Park and Chain Bridge. The dispatched address was that of a newly built home in the Old Glebe neighborhood that’s currently listed for sale for $3.5 million.

The party was reportedly advertised on social media and discovered by the father of one of the attendees, who called police.

Officers arriving on scene told dispatchers that some 30-40 kids could be seen running from the home. In the end, seven young adults and two juveniles — all under the age of 21 — were cited and released, according to Arlington County police.

More, below, from the lastest ACPD crime report.

UNLAWFUL ENTRY, 2024-04130254, 3900 block of Military Road. At approximately 11:26 p.m. on April 13, police were dispatched to the report of a juvenile incident. Responding officers observed a large group of subjects in their teens and early 20’s disperse from outside of a home. Officers then conducted a search of the home and, during the course of the investigation, detained several subjects. Seven adults and two juveniles, who were all under the age of 21, were issued summonses for underage consumption of alcohol and were released to their parents/guardians or a designated sober driver. The investigation into the circumstances of the incident is ongoing.

Also in the crime report, police are looking for a man who exposed himself to a girl near the Wellington apartments just off of Columbia Pike on Sunday night.

INDECENT EXPOSURE (Late), 2024-04140233, 1300 block of S. Scott Street. At approximately 10:36 p.m. on April 14, a patrol officer was flagged down by the reporting party who reported a late indecent exposure. It was determined at approximately 8:55 p.m., the juvenile female victim was walking in the area when the male suspect approached her and exposed himself during which the victim ran from the area.

Additionally, at least 14 vehicles were damaged between Friday morning and early Saturday morning, in and around Rosslyn. Thieves smashed vehicle windows and stole airbags and other items, according to ACPD.

LARCENY FROM AUTO/VEHICLE TAMPERING (Series)(Late), 2024-04120116/2024-04120123, 1400 block of Wilson Boulevard/1700 block of N. Pierce Street. At approximately 12:14 p.m. on April 12, police were dispatched to the late report of destruction of property.  Upon arrival, it was determined between 8:23 a.m. and 12:14 p.m., the unknown suspect(s) smashed the passenger side windows of four parked vehicles in the area and rummaged through the interiors. Electronics, credit cards, personal items and an undisclosed amount of cash were reported stolen from one vehicle. The victim vehicles varied in make and model. There is no suspect description(s). The investigation is ongoing.

LARCENY FROM AUTO (Series)(Late), 2024-04130084/2024-04130160/2024-04130164, 1200 block of N. Scott Street/1400 block of N. Scott Street/1200 block of N. Scott Street. At approximately 9:28 a.m. on April 13, police were dispatched to the late report of a larceny. Upon arrival, it was determined at approximately 2:30 a.m. on April 13, the male suspect forced entry into 10 parked vehicles in the area and stole airbags. Personal property was reported stolen from one vehicle. The victim vehicles are Honda models.

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Adoptable Pet of the Week: Batgirl

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Meet Batgirl, the all black fluffy cat who is the newest Adoptable Pet of the Week!

Batgirl is currently in foster through the Animal Welfare League of Arlington. She’s been searching for her forever home where she can receive all the attention.

Her friends had this to say:

Batgirl is a fluffy purr monster!

She loves sitting in your lap and will work hard to find her way there. She loves playing with her toys and treats!

Batgirl lost her owner of many years and has been fearful in new surroundings. But she settled in well with her foster after a week or so and now loves being groomed, getting head skritches, and even the occasional belly rub!

She uses the litter box without fail.

Batgirl would probably do best in a quiet place where she could be with people a lot but could retreat to a quiet nook. She would also like to be the only cat in your life!

Is Batgirl a match for you? I mean, she must be?

Read her entire profile to learn more and how to start the adoption process!

Want your pet to be considered for the Arlington Pet of the Week? Email [email protected] with 2-3 paragraphs about your pet and at least 3-4 horizontally-oriented photos.

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Lululemon, Warby Parker among new additions at Pentagon City mall

Lululemon operated a seasonal store in the Pentagon City mall in 2016 (staff photo)

Arlington and high-end yoga pants are a match of market and product that’s right up there with 17th century Dutchmen and tulips.

Thus it’s only appropriate that the foremost purveyor of the former would open a second Arlington location.

Lululemon is planning to open later this spring in the Fashion Centre at Pentagon City, on the first floor next to Levi’s, the mall announced this morning. It’s a return to the neighborhood for Canadian retailer of technical athletic apparel, which previously operated a seasonal store in the mall.

Lululemon has an existing location in Clarendon, which was renovated just over five years ago.

Other openings are planned at the Pentagon City mall. Independent eyeglasses retailer Warby Parker is holding a grand opening for its new mall location on Saturday, April 20. The store will feature the work of a local artist.

Also coming this spring and summer are Spanish fast-fashion retailer Mango, the self-explanatory Perfume World, and fried chicken mainstay Popeyes.

A press release about the openings is below.

Fashion Centre at Pentagon City, a world-class shopping destination located in the heart of Washington D.C., is thrilled to announce the grand opening of Warby Parker, the eyewear brand known for its mission-driven approach to providing designer-quality glasses and contacts at accessible prices. To mark this special occasion, Warby Parker is hosting a grand opening event on April 20.

To add even more excitement, the mall is offering a chance for one lucky shopper to win a $95 gift card for a free pair of glasses. To enter, participants must follow @fashionctrpc, like this post, tag a friend (or two) and be a Virginia resident able to pick up the card in person. Official rules are available at this link. The giveaway ends at 4:59 p.m. on April 17, 2024, and the winner will be chosen randomly and contacted via DM on April 18, 2024.

“We’re delighted to extend a warm welcome to Warby Parker as they join our growing retail family,” said Wes Mehr, general manager of Fashion Centre at Pentagon City. “We invite all D.C. residents to join us in celebrating their grand opening and look forward to forging a great partnership with such an esteemed brand.”

In addition to the grand opening of Warby Parker, Fashion Centre at Pentagon City is also excited to announce the upcoming arrival of Lululemon, renowned for its yoga-inspired, technical athletic apparel catering to men, women and children engaged in yoga, running, training and various active pursuits. The iconic brand is set to open its doors later this spring on the First Level, next to Levi’s. Shoppers can look forward to the arrival of a variety of additional retailers and dining options throughout this spring and summer, including Mango, Perfume World and Popeyes.

Fashion Centre at Pentagon City is poised to welcome more than a dozen new retailers to the center in 2024. Warby Parker joins recent additions such as AKIRA, SAYKI and Grand Jewelers, further solidifying the center as a premier destination for fashion and lifestyle offerings in the Washington D.C. area.

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Office building in Ballston may be redeveloped as apartment building

Ballston One building, proposed for redevelopment (via Google Maps)

An older, 12-story office building in Ballston could become a seven-story apartment building.

Developer Penzance has filed a conceptual site plan to get early feedback on the project from Arlington County staff. The Washington Business Journal reported on the plan and an earlier acquisition of the building, at 4601 N. Fairfax Drive, near the ramps to and from I-66.

From WBJ:

D.C. real estate firm Penzance is seeking to redevelop Ballston One, a 1980s-era office tower it recently acquired for cheap in Arlington, with a new multifamily building.

Penzance would raze the existing office at 4601 N. Fairfax Drive, though retain the parking garage, atop which it would build a new 330-unit apartment building, according to a conceptual site plan filed Friday with Arlington County’s planning department.

A Penzance affiliate acquired the building in August for $25 million. It last last traded hands in 1997 for about $43.1 million. The county currently has it assessed at $40.6 million.

The site is across from the Ballston Holiday Inn hotel, also set for redevelopment as a seven-story apartment building, with more than 400 units.

Penzance was the developer behind the massive Highlands development in western Rosslyn, which wrapped up in 2021 and included a new fire station.

Photo via Google Maps

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JUST IN: Protests against military contractors underway in Crystal City

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(Updated at 10:30 a.m.) A group of pro-Palestinian demonstrators are protesting outside of the offices of prominent military contractors in Crystal City this morning.

The protest started in front of the Boeing corporate headquarters at 929 Long Bridge Drive and then marched to the Lockheed Martin building at 2121 Crystal Drive.

“Stand with Palestinian resistance!” says a sign held by the protesters, as seen on a video posted to social media. “End all funding of Israeli apartheid.”

A large police presence is on scene, observing the protest. The Arlington County Fire Department has also dispatched a sizable medical and bomb squad response to standby near the Lockheed Martin building, with the protest expected to grow, according to scanner traffic.

As of 9:45 a.m., part of Crystal Drive was closed to traffic. As of 10:30 a.m., the protesters were reportedly getting ready to march back to the Boeing office, prompting fire department resources to start leaving the scene.

Similar but smaller protests took place this past fall. Another pro-Palestinian protest remains camped out in front of Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s house in Arlington.

The latest protests come as Israel weighs a response to a largely failed Iranian missile and drone barrage over the weekend, amid the war with Hamas that has devastated much of the Gaza Strip.

 

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Morning Notes

Sunny day in Crystal City (Flickr pool photo by Jason Gooljar)

Yet Another Gun at DCA — “Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport intercepted a fourth firearm in seven days at a checkpoint on Thursday, April 11. The four guns were caught on April 5, 7, 8 and 11.” [Press Release]

ACPD Traffic Citation Data — “The Arlington County Police Department investigated what works out to more than four vehicle crashes per day February, according to new data… During the month, police issued 2,043 citations and warnings for a variety of issues, according to the figures.” [Gazette Leader]

‘Mob’ Assault in Green Valley — ” At approximately 11:59 p.m. on April 10, police were dispatched to the report of an assault just occurred. Upon arrival, it was determined the male victim was in the area when he was approached by approximately eight juvenile suspects in their teens. The suspects then assaulted the victim, stole his personal property and fled the scene on foot. The victim sustained non-life threatening injuries and was transported to an area hospital.” [ACPD]

Teacher Union Endorsements — “AEA-PAC is proud to endorse Laurence Fishtahler and Zuraya Tapia-Hadley as candidates for school board… AEA-PAC is proud to endorse Julius D. Spain for county board.” [Press Release]

County Gov’t Career Fair Today — From Arlington Elections: “Are you a registered voter in VA who wants to get involved in elections? Apply to be an Election Officer! We’ll have a booth at Arlington County’s upcoming Career Fair on 4/15 from 4-6pm at the Central Library! Apply to work the polls here.” [Twitter, Arlington County]

W-L Grad and Fmr. NFL Player Dies — “Through a lifelong involvement in sports,  primarily football, Eric Sievers became an impactful person in Arlington and beyond. He continues so in death, with many remembering the native Arlingtonian in so many positive manners, extending long beyond his player career. Sievers, a 1976 Washington-Lee High School graduate, died April 10 after a six-year struggle with bladder cancer.” [Gazette Leader]

It’s Monday — Expect a mostly sunny day with a high around 80°F and northwest winds at 6-11 mph, gusting to 18 mph. The night will be mostly clear with lows near 53°F and a mild north wind. [NWS]

Today’s Morning Notes are brought to you by coworking provider Industrious. ARLnow has been based in an Industrious office for years and we love the convenience — you get to focus on your work rather than worrying about brewing your own coffee or keeping the copy machine stocked. Industrious has several Metro-accessible Arlington locations.

Flickr pool photo by Jason Gooljar

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Possible medical emergency leads to overturned vehicle on I-66

Aftermath of Friday evening crash on I-66 (via ACFD)

An unusual crash blocked lanes on I-66 Friday evening.

Three people were hurt, none seriously, in the crash on eastbound I-66 near Patrick Henry Drive, according to the Arlington County Fire Department.

The crash happened shortly before 7 p.m. when a vehicle — it appeared to be a Porsche Cayenne SUV — was being driven down the shoulder of the highway in heavy traffic. It reportedly collided with two other vehicles and flipped on its side.

Traffic camera video posted by local public safety watcher Dave Statter, below, shows the moments before and after the crash. Statter noted that state troopers believe the driver may have been suffering a medical emergency at the time.

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