February, 2011 | ARLnow.com

Published February 28, 2011 at 4:46PM

“I am a co-gardener of a garden plot in the Fort Barnard Community Gardens, [and] if my garden plot looked the way that many of the plots on South Four Mile Run do, my plot would be considered abandoned and the privileges to the plot would be revoked,” the man wrote in an email to a county official. He asked that his name not be used in this article.

“Nearly all of the plots are in violation of one or more of the County Community Garden Rules,” the gardener wrote. “I waited for 2 years to get a garden plot. To see residents [who] have garden plots neglect them and not use them to their full potential is frustrating.”

News

Plane Departing DCA Hits Birds, Lands at Dulles

By ARLnow.com

Published February 28, 2011 at 3:20PM

According to a recording of air traffic control radio, the pilot of the 737 reported a left engine failure as a result of the bird strike. The plane landed safely at Dulles just before 8:00 a.m.

The bird strike caused a bit of a scare on the ground. D.C. Fire and EMS crews near the Potomac River were put on alert after reports came in of an aircraft in distress. The situation recalled the 2009 “Miracle on the Hudson” — when pilot Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger landed a US Airways jet on the Hudson River after both engines were disabled by a flock of birds.

News

Neighborhood Wants County to Delay Parking Restrictions

By ARLnow.com

Published February 28, 2011 at 12:29PM

County staff notified residents that they intended to restrict parking to one side Edgewood Street between 1st Road and 2nd Road after finding that some fire trucks are too wide to fit down the narrow street with cars parked on both sides. As we reported after the Feb. 12 board meeting, members of the board seemed sympathetic to the association’s request that the restrictions to be put on hold until the county and neighbors could come to a mutually agreeable solution.

In a letter to County Board Chairman Chris Zimmerman, LPCA President Natalie Roy makes it clear that the association views the parking question as an issue of county-wide importance. Roy says the group is worried about how the county plans to implement restrictions on other narrow streets.

Around Town

Shamrock Shake Returns to McDonald’s

By ARLnow.com

Published February 28, 2011 at 9:57AM

The minty dessert has gotten a facelift since last year. All McDonald’s shakes now come in a clear McCafe cup with whipped cream and a cherry on top. And rather than a flat lime green color, the shake now appears to be a twisted green and white.

We’ve spotted the Shamrock Shake at McDonald’s restaurants in Crystal City and on Columbia Pike. Let us know in the comments if it’s at the McDonald’s closest to you.

Weather

Tornado Watch Issued for Area

By ARLnow.com

Published February 28, 2011 at 9:15AM | Updated February 28, 2011 at 12:49PM

Update at 12:50 p.m. — The tornado watch has been canceled.

Warm temperatures are going to give way to strong storms as a cold front moves through the region later today.

News

Officer Struck While Investigating Deadly Accident on Key Bridge

By ARLnow.com

Published February 28, 2011 at 8:52AM | Updated July 12, 2017 at 2:16PM

According to NBC 4, a person who was walking a moped across the Key Bridge was struck and killed by an SUV that then fled the scene. The officer was on the bridge investigating the accident when he was struck from behind by another vehicle.

The driver that hit the officer stayed on the scene and the SUV driver was later stopped in Maryland, NBC 4’s Tracee Wilkins reported. Both drivers are suspected of driving under the influence.

News

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Published February 28, 2011 at 8:20AM

More Names Mentioned for Senate Seat — Is there a Democrat in Arlington County who’s active in local politics and who’s not thinking about running for the state Senate seat being vacated by the retiring Sen. Mary Margaret Whipple? Add Alan Howze, former Arlington County Democratic Committee chairman Peter Rousselot, county board member Jay Fisette and Del. Bob Brink to the five names we mentioned as possible candidates on Friday. [Sun Gazette, Washington Post]

Cava Still Hoping for Spring Opening — Construction has yet to begin on the new Cava restaurant on Clarendon Boulevard, but the owner of the upscale Greek restaurant still hopes to open by “late April or early May.” Cava currently has locations in Rockville and on Capitol Hill. [TBD]

News

High Winds Cause Havoc Across Arlington

By ARLnow.com

Published February 25, 2011 at 3:59PM | Updated February 25, 2011 at 5:11PM

Numerous reports of downed power lines, toppled trees, dislodged traffic signs and blowing debris are coming in.

Among the reports we’re following right now:

News

BREAKING NEWS — Section of Roof Blows Off DMV

By ARLnow.com

Published February 25, 2011 at 3:09PM | Updated February 25, 2011 at 5:18PM

High winds have blown off part of the roof of the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles building at 4150 South Four Mile Run Drive.

Firefighters report that a large section of the building’s metal roof blew off. The building has been evacuated. No injuries are reported.

Around Town

Photos: The Calm Before the Wind Storm

By ARLnow.com

Published February 25, 2011 at 3:02PM

We took a few photos around Arlington this afternoon, before the really strong winds started blowing. The contrast between the blue skies and the quick-moving rain storms that passed through the area was quite striking.

News

State Sen. Mary Margaret Whipple Announces Her Retirement

By ARLnow.com

Published February 25, 2011 at 1:21PM | Updated February 25, 2011 at 8:12PM

Whipple has represented Virginia’s 31st Senate district since 1996. Before being elected to the state Senate, Whipple served on the Arlington School Board, the Arlington County Board and the Metro Transit Board.

News of Whipple’s retirement seemingly came as a surprise to some.