September, 2011 | ARLnow.com

Published September 8, 2011 at 2:24PM | Updated September 8, 2011 at 3:21PM

George Washington University, which uses Barcroft as the home field for its baseball team, is proposing to fully-fund a number of enhancements to the field, including artificial turf, dugouts, new restrooms, new stadium seating, a press box, a bullpen and concession stands. The field’s existing dark sky lighting would not be changed.

The parks department will discuss the proposed changes with the community at a public meeting on Tuesday, at 7:30 p.m. The meeting is being held at the Fairlington Community Center (3308 S. Stafford Street), in room 118.

Around Town

New Steakhouse Coming to Shirlington

By ARLnow.com

Published September 8, 2011 at 12:46PM

A new steakhouse is coming to the Village at Shirlington, according to a ‘help wanted’ ad placed on Craigslist.

Called “4 Seasons Steakhouse,” the restaurant is looking to hire an executive chef (“Experience with dry-aged steaks a PLUS!”), a general manager, bartenders and servers.

News

County to Install Deluxe Bus Stops on the Pike

By ARLnow.com

Published September 8, 2011 at 11:09AM | Updated September 8, 2011 at 12:56PM

The first of the so-called “Super Stops” will be built at Walter Reed Drive and the Pike. Work on two other stops — at Columbus and Dinwiddie Streets — is also expected to begin this fall, with a fourth Super Stop expected to be built at Barton Street, near Penrose Square, during the spring of 2012. Combined, the four stops serve more than 2,000 passengers per day.

The new stops will feature heated seats, floors, new lighting, glass windscreen walls enhanced weather protection, and electronic signs that will show bus arrival and departure information. The Super Stops will accommodate 10-15 riders, compared to the six riders who can fit in current bus shelters.

Traffic

Major Backups on Westbound I-66

By ARLnow.com

Published September 8, 2011 at 10:18AM | Updated July 12, 2017 at 1:53PM

It’s very slow-going on I-66 this morning. The westbound lanes are currently backed up from Rosslyn to Great Falls Street due to an accident.

The accident was earlier reported to be blocking two lanes just before the Dulles Toll Road. Significant delays remain.

News

Preliminary Hearing for Diener Murder Suspect

By ARLnow.com

Published September 8, 2011 at 9:42AM

The court found probable cause and ordered the Clark held pending an indictment by a grand jury. If an indictment is handed down, a court date is expected to be set on Sept. 22.

Prosecutors say that a trial in the case would likely take place early next year.

News

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Published September 8, 2011 at 9:16AM

DCA Workers Injured By Lightning Strike — Two workers at Reagan National Airport were injured after lightning struck near American Airlines Gate 32. The injuries were not considered life-threatening. [WUSA 9]

Recounting 9/11 at Va. Hospital Center — The injured came flooding into Virginia Hospital Center by private car, military vehicle and ambulance on Sept. 11, 2001, employees recalled at a recent commemoration. Now the hospital says they’re better prepared to handle all sorts of emergencies. [MyFoxDC, WTOP]

Traffic

Roads Blocked by Fallen Trees

By ARLnow.com

Published September 8, 2011 at 8:17AM | Updated September 8, 2011 at 8:41AM

Washington Boulevard was closed between George Mason Drive and N. Harrison Street, near Virginia Hospital Center, due to a large tree that fell onto the roadway overnight, taking power lines down with it. Authorities have warned that the closure could last “well into the day.”

In the North Rosslyn area, a tree fell across N. Scott Street at the intersection with Lee Highway. The road is closed while crews work to clear the debris, authorities said.

Traffic

TRAFFIC ALERT — Major Delays on I-395

By ARLnow.com

Published September 8, 2011 at 7:52AM | Updated July 12, 2017 at 1:53PM

Nearly the entire length of northbound I-395 is slow this morning, thanks in part to an accident near the 14th Street Bridge.

Crews are still in the process of cleaning up a multi-vehicle accident in the center lanes of 395, just before the Boundary Channel Drive. Police are on the scene.

News

Primary Mud-Slinging Not Repeated in Debate Between Favola, Merrick

By ARLnow.com

Published September 7, 2011 at 4:02PM | Updated January 16, 2018 at 2:49PM

The unofficial kickoff to the general election campaign season lacked the audacious, back-and-forth recriminations of the 31st District Democratic primary. It did, however, set the stage for a clear battle of ideas in a race that could have significant repercussions in Richmond.

Smiling and effervescent, Merrick’s big debut to Arlington voters started out with her politely applauding Favola’s opening statement, then taking the podium, acknowledging her husband and sons, and describing herself as “the daughter of a Marine.” She recounted how she and her husband “started a software company in our basement” (it was sold to a German company in 2007 for $546 million) and touted her non-profit work with low-income families and “urban youth.”

News

Police Warn of ‘Bill Collector’ Phone Scams

By ARLnow.com

Published September 7, 2011 at 2:53PM

Police say an increasing number of Arlington residents are getting phone calls from scamsters claiming to be bill collectors.

The police department issued the following press release today regarding the fraudulent phone calls.

News

Crime Report: Bribery Edition

By ARLnow.com

Published September 7, 2011 at 2:17PM | Updated January 9, 2018 at 3:01PM

A property owner was arrested last week and charged with bribery, after allegedly trying to pay off a county inspector who had discovered code violations. Ibrahim Abdullah, a Cherrydale resident, was booked and held on a $5,000 bond.

BRIBERY-ARREST, 08/31/11, 3600 block of Fairfax Drive. On August 31 at 10 am, a person who owns several properties in Arlington County with code violations attempted to bribe a county inspector. The inspector reported the incident to the police. Ibrahim Abdullah, 56, of Arlington, was charged with Bribery. He was held on a $5,000 bond.

Traffic

Flooding in D.C. Jams 14th Street Bridge

By ARLnow.com

Published September 7, 2011 at 12:46PM

(Updated 12:50 p.m.) The 14th Street Bridge is jammed heading into the District as flooding has blocked several major arteries into the city.

DDOT has reported the ramp to I-395 eastbound is closed at the 14th Street Bridge due to high standing water. Traffic is being directed onto 14th Street. As a result, major delays have formed across the bridge here in Virginia.