June, 2012 | ARLnow.com

Neighborhoods Plan Envisions Greater Density for Columbia Pike

Published June 25, 2012 at 11:55AM

Arlington County’s vision for Columbia Pike would result in 10,000 new housing units being added to the corridor by 2040.

County planners are currently putting the finishing touches on the Columbia Pike Neighborhoods Area Plan, a sweeping vision for the Pike that seeks to transform the area into a more urban, walkable, transit-oriented community. The plan calls for taller buildings along the Pike — up to 10 stories — and for the replacement of some existing surface parking lots with new infill development (and underground parking). It also calls for streetcar service and stops along the Pike and enhanced local bus service in the neighborhoods around the Pike.

News

Howell Vows to Wear Name Tag Until Election

By Katie Pyzyk

Published June 25, 2012 at 10:20AM

Howell, who actually got the ball rolling on his campaign last year, was informed on Monday, June 18, that he had officially made the ballot. He’s up against incumbent Rep. Jim Moran (D), Patrick Murray (R) and Independent Green candidate Janet Murphy in the 8th District congressional race. He’ll be running as an independent.

Howell believes part of the problem with campaigning, particularly as an independent, is the lack of name recognition. To remedy that problem, he’ll wear a name tag every time he’s in public until the election. Howell hopes he’ll get enough exposure so people will recognize his name by the time they get to the polls. He said there’s only one exception to the name tag rule: “When I’m wearing a campaign t-shirt in the gym.”

News

Morning Poll: Metro’s Rush Plus Service

By ARLnow.com

Published June 25, 2012 at 9:24AM | Updated June 29, 2018 at 3:25PM

Designed to reduce the rush hour “Orange crush” by adding three additional Orange Line trains per hour, Rush Plus accomplished the enhanced Orange Line service by directing three formerly Blue Line trains per hour over the Yellow Line bridge into the District.

Metro billed Rush+ as “rush hour reinvented,” promising to “reduce crowding and provide new transfer-free travel opportunities.” Has it lived up to expectations?”

Traffic

Courthouse Road Bridge to Be Closed, Demolished

By ARLnow.com

Published June 22, 2012 at 4:30PM

VDOT spokeswoman Jennifer McCord says the agency is currently planning on closing and tearing down the bridge either in late August or early September. She said the exact timing of the demolition is contingent on some other work, including the completion of new ramps to and from westbound Route 50 and Courthouse Road.

Once the closure is in place, eastbound Route 50 drivers will be directed to the next exit — Rhodes Street — and detour signs will point them back to Courthouse Road. McCord said engineers are still working on a detour for those trying to get on eastbound Route 50 from the Courthouse area.

News

Another Prostitution Bust at Columbia Pike Hotel

By Katie Pyzyk

Published June 22, 2012 at 3:35PM

A surveillance team observed numerous johns entering and exiting three separate rooms at the hotel, according to Arlington County Police spokesman Dustin Sternbeck. They were all followed and confronted when they left the hotel. According to Sternbeck, all the men confessed to having paid for sex and received citations for solicitation of prostitution.

Three women were arrested and charged with prostitution and keeping a bawdy place. The women also admitted to posting online advertisements for sex services, Sternbeck said. An additional woman was charged with receiving money from prostitution.

Feature

Your Beermonger: Chasing the Elusive Rare Craft Beer

By ARLnow.com

Published June 22, 2012 at 3:00PM

Editor’s Note: This sponsored column is written by Nick Anderson, beermonger at Arrowine (4508 Lee Highway).

I want to address something today that has always been an issue in the craft beer community and is only going to become bigger as more people come into the fold: rare beers and trying to acquire them.

Weather

Severe Thunderstorm Watch Issued

By ARLnow.com

Published June 22, 2012 at 2:40PM

Arlington and the surrounding region is under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch until 9:00 tonight.

Forecasters say the storms have the potential to produce “damaging wind gusts and locally heavy rainfall.”

Feature

Open Houses in Arlington This Weekend

By ARLnow.com

Published June 22, 2012 at 2:00PM

“Real estate cannot be lost or stolen, nor can it be carried away,” goes the quote from Franklin D. Roosevelt. “Purchased with common sense, paid for in full, and managed with reasonable care, it is about the safest investment in the world.”

If you’re looking to heed the 32nd president’s wisdom, there are at least 14 open houses for you to choose from in Arlington this weekend.

Around Town

Caribbean Breeze to Become ‘A-Town Bar & Grill’

By Katie Pyzyk

Published June 22, 2012 at 1:00PM

Existing owner Mike Cordero will partner with his son, Nick Cordero, and newcomer Scott Parker for the revamped establishment, which will be called A-Town Bar and Grill. Parker says the new menu will be “eclectic,” and features a wide range of choices including sushi, sandwiches, flatbread pizzas and steaks. The beer list will expand from four to about 10. Food will be served every day, from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 a.m.

Parker said Caribbean Breeze, which just celebrated its 10 year anniversary last month, has consistently been financially successful. However, the partners believe the broader concept should appeal to more people.

Opinion

Morning Poll: Streetcar vs. Articulated Bus

By ARLnow.com

Published June 22, 2012 at 11:35AM

Original Columbia Pike streetcar rendering

The streetcar plan has spawned a very vocal group of opponents. Many of those streetcar critics say that one of the alternatives from the analysis — articulated buses — is a cheaper and in some ways superior transportation option for Columbia Pike. Streetcar supporters disagree, however, and often point to economic development along streetcar corridors as the reason why rail is preferable.

News

Little League Coach Receives Award Before Deployment

By Katie Pyzyk

Published June 22, 2012 at 10:35AM | Updated June 22, 2012 at 2:33PM

Col. Randy Huiss, better known as “Coach Randy,” coaches the Orioles Little League team. After their final practice before “the big championship game” last week, the team and the Arlington Partnership for Children, Youth and Families honored Huiss with a Connect with Kids award. The awards are given to people who go above and beyond in spending time with, and building relationships with, children and teens.

Parents of the players are fans of Coach Randy’s interactions with the kids. They say he has a positive view of how the game should be played, with a focus on fun.

News

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Published June 22, 2012 at 8:45AM

Kaine Coming to Arlington — Former Virginia governor and current U.S. Senate candidate Tim Kaine (D) will be in Arlington this afternoon. Kaine is scheduled to have an economic discussion with local Latino business and community leaders at 4:00 p.m. The closed event is taking place at The Salsa Room (2619 Columbia Pike).

Cancer Charity Event This Weekend — The second annual Erica Paul Fabulous event will be held at the Clarendon Ballroom (3185 Wilson Blvd) on Saturday. The fundraiser runs from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. and benefits the Chris4Life Colon Cancer Foundation. The ‘Fabulous’ event also celebrates the life of Erica Paul, who died last year, at the age of 29, from metastatic colon cancer. [Clarendon Nights]