February, 2012 | ARLnow.com

Chevys in Ballston Permanently Closes

Published February 21, 2012 at 4:30PM

Workers have been there all day clearing out the restaurant and taking down signs and lights. A long table now blocks the mall entrance, and the name has already been removed from the outside facade.

Two employees say the Ballston location is just one of the several closing across the country as part of the restaurant chain’s restructuring plan. Real Mex Restaurants Inc. owns the chain and filed for Chapter 11 in October, due to what it called high debt, high rents and a weak economy. A bankruptcy court approved the sale of the company last week.

News

Pool Construction Underway at Overlee Club

By Katie Pyzyk

Published February 21, 2012 at 3:45PM

The delay in obtaining county permits has been one of the numerous factors contributing to overall project delays, according to Overlee Long Range Planning Committee Chairman Chris Tai. He explained that a project like this is difficult due to squeezing a number of different things onto one compact site.

To those who criticize the length of time the project has taken to get going, Tai suggests remaining focused on forward progress.

News

Police to Conduct DUI Checkpoint on Friday

By Katie Pyzyk

Published February 21, 2012 at 2:45PM

All vehicles that pass through the checkpoint will be stopped and drivers asked to provide licenses. Any drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol or other substances will be ushered to a safe area nearby for further observation and possible testing. The checkpoint location will not be revealed ahead of time.

The checkpoint is part of the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, in support of a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration-led crackdown on drunk driving. The program combines high-visibility DUI enforcement with public awareness to deter intoxicated individuals from getting behind the wheel.

Around Town

New Capital Bikeshare Stations Built in Virginia Square

By Katie Pyzyk

Published February 21, 2012 at 1:45PM

A 19-dock Bikeshare station was installed near the Virginia Square metro station (901 N. Monroe St), and another one went up directly in front of the Central Library (1015 N. Quincy St), with 11 docks.

The stations, which appear to take very little time to install on location, have been spreading rapidly throughout Arlington since the fall. In October, we reported that the Central Library had been hoping to have a Bikeshare station by some point in the spring, but it was already installed last week.

Feature

Ask Adam: Spring Real Estate Market

By ARLnow.com

Published February 21, 2012 at 1:10PM | Updated November 20, 2012 at 11:11PM

Editor’s Note: This monthly sponsored Q&A column is written by Adam Gallegos of Arlington-based real estate firm Arbour Realty. Please submit follow-up questions in the comments section or via email.

What should we expect from the spring real estate market in Arlington?

News

AWLA Seeks Volunteers for ‘Kitten Season’

By ARLnow.com

Published February 21, 2012 at 12:15PM

The Animal Welfare League of Arlington is seeking volunteers to help it handle a seasonal surge in orphaned kittens.

“Kitten season,” as it’s called, begins in the spring. The League is specifically looking for foster parents who can help care for orphaned kittens until they’re old enough to be adopted.

Opinion

Morning Poll: Road Maintenance an Election Year Issue?

By ARLnow.com

Published February 21, 2012 at 10:34AM

Last week the Sun Gazette reported that supporters of Green Party candidate for County Board Audrey Clement were trying to make the case that Arlington’s roads are crumbling — and the county’s political leaders should be held responsible for it.

County Board Chair Mary Hynes acknowledged that local roadways were “rough,” and that road maintenance had fallen behind in recent years, but said funding added several years ago should help allow Arlington to repave roads every 15 years.

News

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Published February 21, 2012 at 9:34AM | Updated July 12, 2017 at 1:35PM

Happy Fat Tuesday — It’s Fat Tuesday, the traditional day of feasting (or partying) before Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. To celebrate the occasion, the annual Clarendon Mardi Gras parade will be held tonight, starting at 8:00 p.m. See our list of local Mardi Gras happenings for additional festivities around Arlington.

Three Arrested After Ballston Fight — Three suspects were arrested following a fight near the Ballston Metro station Monday evening. The fight broke out in the area of Fairfax Drive and N. Stuart Street. Fairfax Drive was partially blocked by police vehicles following the incident. Additional details were not immediately available.

News

Man Sentenced for Guns Found Buried Near I-66

By ARLnow.com

Published February 17, 2012 at 8:46PM

The charge stems from an incident in October when a number of guns were found buried in the ground near Patrick Henry Drive and I-66. Investigators from the FBI and the Arlington County Police Department used forensic evidence to link the guns to 61-year-old Cherrydale resident and convicted felon Rodney M. Gunsauley.

In all, prosecutors say they recovered at least 35 tubes containing 14 guns and more than 20,000 rounds of ammunition.

News

Contract Awarded for Cherrydale Utility Work

By Katie Pyzyk

Published February 17, 2012 at 3:55PM | Updated February 17, 2012 at 7:05PM

The contract for the final phase of the ongoing effort was awarded to Trafford Corporation. The first phase of the project, which includes removing overhead electrical lines from I-66 to N. Monroe St, is in its final stages.

When the project is finished late next year, Lee Highway will no longer have power lines dangling overhead from I-66 to N. Quincy St. This is one of the first utility undergrounding projects the County has undertaken.

News

BREAKING NEWS — FBI Investigation in Douglas Park

By ARLnow.com

Published February 17, 2012 at 2:39PM | Updated February 17, 2012 at 7:32PM

(Updated at 5:30 p.m.) FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force agents are conducting a terrorism investigation at a house in Douglas Park.

The FBI, NCIS and Arlington County Police are on the scene on the 1600 block of S. Randolph Street. Earlier, agents could be seen talking to two men outside the home, where the FBI says it was executing a search warrant.

Weather

County Prepping for Possible Snow on Sunday

By Katie Pyzyk

Published February 17, 2012 at 1:42PM | Updated February 20, 2012 at 2:32PM

Forecasters have been predicting some sort of precipitation on Sunday, but it’s unclear whether it will be mainly snow or rain. As is often the case in our area, weather models are changing by the hour. Don’t get your hopes up for a repeat of the Presidents Day Blizzard of 2003 — but do plan on the chance of the season’s most significant snowfall.

In advance of the possible storm, the Arlington County Department of Environmental Services has issued a Phase 1 Alert, meaning crews will pre-treat roads with salt or brine as necessary. They’re also preparing snow removal equipment and personnel for the weekend.